Avoid Hibernation
Suggestions on how you can stay on point over the winter break
Garieka Godfrey
Issue date: 12/9/08 Section: Campus Life
The winter break is approaching fast and some people tend to get into hibernation mode during this time of the year. This can be a problem. While it is understandable that you are tired after a semester of hard work and probably running on a lack of sleep, your work as a college student is never over. So it is important to keep a balance between play or rest time and work time. Over the course of the one month break, many people are more likely to eat, sleep, and celebrate, not study. While you may not have assignments due the next semester, your work is your business and college work should be your priority.
Being healthy, physically, mentally and emotionally, is a vital part of being the best you that you can be. It is also important to increase your productivity. Lori Purwin, associate director of the health services office, points out some of the most important practices to help students stay engaged over the break.
•Sleep- Students are encouraged to get plenty of rest because a lack of, or insufficient, sleep weakens the immune system. As a result, the body is more susceptible to illnesses. According to Lori Purwin, "The holidays can be your own stress releaser". Take the time to just relax and refocus for the upcoming semester.
Be mindful of the amount you eat. During the winter break, many people tend to overindulge in their favorite foods, particularly those that are unhealthy. The situation worsens when people do not go to the gym as often as they use to. This is understandable, because the weather is often a factor. Lori suggests walking the malls, as some malls open early to allow people to walk around. However, be careful of fast-food places. Another suggestion is to take the stairs instead of elevators or escalators. This is a good practice all year round. Lori also suggests a breakfast of natural peanut butter and toast or eggs once or twice a week. Also, eat lots of vegetables; five to nine servings per day.
•Be careful of companions- Avoid being around sick friends and family members as much as possible. This is important if you do not want to contract their illnesses.
Jean Brown, career counselor in the Center for Academic Success provides the following suggestions for undergraduate students. Freshman and sophomore students should take some time off, relax, and make a plan for the upcoming semester based on grade point average.
Juniors should start thinking of internships, looking at their resumes, and shift their minds toward graduation. "In light of economic downturn, seniors need to make sure that [their] resumes are ready, be involved with internships, contact past employers, and start getting in touch with employment networks." Mrs. Brown also points out that it is important for seniors to make plans to attend all job fairs in the spring.
Apart from the aforementioned tips, keep your brain active. Whether it is by reading a book, a journal, newspaper or newsletter, keeping your mind busy makes it easier to get back into study mode for the next semester.
Being healthy, physically, mentally and emotionally, is a vital part of being the best you that you can be. It is also important to increase your productivity. Lori Purwin, associate director of the health services office, points out some of the most important practices to help students stay engaged over the break.
•Sleep- Students are encouraged to get plenty of rest because a lack of, or insufficient, sleep weakens the immune system. As a result, the body is more susceptible to illnesses. According to Lori Purwin, "The holidays can be your own stress releaser". Take the time to just relax and refocus for the upcoming semester.
Be mindful of the amount you eat. During the winter break, many people tend to overindulge in their favorite foods, particularly those that are unhealthy. The situation worsens when people do not go to the gym as often as they use to. This is understandable, because the weather is often a factor. Lori suggests walking the malls, as some malls open early to allow people to walk around. However, be careful of fast-food places. Another suggestion is to take the stairs instead of elevators or escalators. This is a good practice all year round. Lori also suggests a breakfast of natural peanut butter and toast or eggs once or twice a week. Also, eat lots of vegetables; five to nine servings per day.
•Be careful of companions- Avoid being around sick friends and family members as much as possible. This is important if you do not want to contract their illnesses.
Jean Brown, career counselor in the Center for Academic Success provides the following suggestions for undergraduate students. Freshman and sophomore students should take some time off, relax, and make a plan for the upcoming semester based on grade point average.
Juniors should start thinking of internships, looking at their resumes, and shift their minds toward graduation. "In light of economic downturn, seniors need to make sure that [their] resumes are ready, be involved with internships, contact past employers, and start getting in touch with employment networks." Mrs. Brown also points out that it is important for seniors to make plans to attend all job fairs in the spring.
Apart from the aforementioned tips, keep your brain active. Whether it is by reading a book, a journal, newspaper or newsletter, keeping your mind busy makes it easier to get back into study mode for the next semester.
