By Isabella Popo
If you’re reading this, it means you’ve made it halfway through the semester in one piece, and the time has finally come: spring break.
The freshmen are over-packing for Cabo and the seniors are headed off to the Dominican Republic, but I am headed home for the week.
Spring break has the notorious reputation that college kids around the country feel pressured to partake in. Whether it’s Miami, Mexico or Madrid, if you’re not posting pictures on a beach with a drink in hand, it can feel like you’re missing out. But the truth is, there’s no right or wrong way to spend your break. And, that’s not to say you can’t adventure over break, but the idea that you have to is the problem. Resting, recharging, and enjoying time at home can be just as fulfilling as any tropical getaway—maybe even more.
So if you’re staying in Dallas or heading back to your home state, here are some things that can turn your fear of missing out into the joy of missing out:
Take up some new hobbies. “Last year for spring break, I had bought a diamond painting kit and found myself spending hours putting it together while watching TV or one of my favorite podcasts,” said Alexis French, a wellness writer for Her Campus and a recent graduate of Bowling Green State University. “It was a really fun, calming project that I ended up really enjoying.”
Go outside. According to The Weather Channel, which I know is more accurate than the weather app, “[p]laces like Kansas City, Atlanta and Washington DC will climb into the 70s while places like Dallas will soar into the 80s.” Whether you’re tanning in your backyard, or taking a walk on the Katy Trail, enjoying nature and the fresh air is the perfect way to decompress.
If you want to get a little more cardio in, go to YouTube and find a 20 to 30-minute at-home workout. One of my favorites is by Lidia Mera, a certified L3 Pilates mat instructor. Getting your body moving can leave you feeling accomplished—plus, it makes it even more satisfying to rot in bed for the rest of the day.
Junior Bridgette McEfee can’t wait to go back to the Bay Area for a few days and hang out with her family.
“I’ll get to spend a few days with my sister and I’m really excited about that,” said McEfee. “I used to be with her all the time when she went to SMU, and now that she has graduated and is back home, I don’t see her as often.”
Quality time with the people you love can be just as fun. Sometimes, a familiar place and good company are all you need for a meaningful break.
Now remember, don’t let someone else’s spring break plans make you feel like yours aren’t good enough. At first, junior Margot Smith felt pressured to plan a big spring break trip. But she realized she didn’t need to follow the crowd—everyone’s break looks different, and that’s okay. Many SMU students are choosing to return home to unwind and recharge, including Smith.
“I think it’s more common for people to go somewhere for spring break with their friends, in college especially, but I’m not upset that I’m going home, I’m excited,” she said. “I live in Palm Beach, so I can’t wait to get some sun.”
Although your Instagram feed can seem like an endless timeline of picture-perfect getaways, it’s never as perfect as it seems. Take a break from social media and be in the moment. Spring break isn’t about proving anything to anyone—it’s about doing what makes you happy.
Cover image by Staff Member Ruby Moley
