Restoration time…

Most of us are already pining for the days of the long holiday break to sleep late, gorge ourselves on sweet treats and cheese ball, spend hours in front of the television watching reruns of King of Queens or perhaps head to the movies. No doubt, we are in need of rest and relaxation and enjoying time with our families. It is important to clear your mind of algebraic equations, sociological theory, or the Georgia Constitution, and fill your head with dancing sugar plums for a while!

I want to suggest that during the many days away from school and the computer that you keep yourself motivated so that you can return in January with tenacity and a fresh perspective. Here are a few tips to help you recharge over the break.

Keep reading. Finding things you love to read over the break will keep your mind stimulated and your vocabulary sharp. (Please don’t rely on Facebook for ALL of your intellectual perusing J ).

Maintain “to-do” lists. Staying on some kind of schedule and accomplishing tasks is important for a healthy outlook and keeps you from staying up all night and sleeping all day. Jot down a few things to accomplish daily. Examples might include: cleaning out a closet, writing a letter, volunteering at a local agency for a couple of hours, washing your van, etc….

Stay active. There is something to be said for getting 30 minutes of exercise a day. This can be a simple walk around your neighborhood, heading to the mall (without a pit stop at the food court), or light housework. Exercise keeps your heart healthy and your mind rejuvenated. It sure doesn’t hurt to help prevent those notorious holiday pounds either!

Eat (at least) one healthy item a day: If you love to eat, like I do, it is too tough to steer clear of the holiday sugar cookies, Aunt Betty’s meatballs, or the homemade bacon-wrapped scallops. So try to balance out the gorging by keeping some healthy items on hand. Have a bag of apples or fresh cut veggies in the fridge. Sip on water all day- every day. It will help keep you feeling fuller and also does wonders for your skin!

Keep school in mind. Classes will resume before you know it. Be sure you get your supplies (books/ notebooks) before classes start. If you are an “online” student, review your email periodically. Be aware of the first day “log in” procedures for eCore/eMajor and get yourself acclimated in class the first available date.

So, go ahead! Enjoy the extended winter break! May it be a time of restoration and peace. If you follow a few of these outlined items it might just allow for you to have an easier transition into the spring semester.

Reference: http://personalexcellence.co/blog/healthy-living/

Contributed by:

Karen Lingrell

Assistant Director of Collaborative Programs,
USG eCore and eMajor

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