How to Reset and Recharge for the Spring Semester 

The 2022-2023 school year has been eventful, filled with ups and downs. Many students and families are feeling overwhelmed, tired, and counting the days until winter break.  The two-week break is the ideal time to practice relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation.   

While winter break is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the holidays, spend time with friends and family and soak in the joys of the season, it is also an opportune time to practice self-care and prepare your mind for the upcoming semester.  

Practice Downtime and Reflection 

Carving out downtime is essential to emotional and physical health. It’s easy to feel compelled to fill winter break with trips, projects, social gatherings, and events that often leave us feeling a need for a “vacation from our vacation.” 

Instead, practice self-care by identifying your favorite activities, such as reading a book, watching a movie, playing video games, taking a walk, or listening to music. Taking a break from tight schedules, social media and deadlines allows our minds and our bodies time to recharge and relax.  

Many of us will use this time to reflect on the year that has passed. Reflection can be incredibly healing and therapeutic, journaling and pondering where life has taken you over the last year. Rejoice in the memories that you have made and celebrate your accomplishments, regardless of how big or small they may be. Reflection allows us to learn from our mistakes, plan for the future, and celebrate our successes. 

Set Goals for the Year Ahead 

As we close out 2022 and usher in 2023, begin setting goals for the upcoming year. By setting goals, whether personal, educational or emotional, we begin to develop a healthy mindset for the upcoming year. 

Ask yourself what do you want to accomplish? What are you working towards? Are your goals achievable? What steps do you need to take to achieve your goals? Writing down your goals and placing them in a spot that you can review daily is a great way to stay motivated.  

Developing goals helps us to plan for what’s to come and creates a sense of control over our life and future. It allows us an opportunity to align our focus, promote a sense of self and allows us an opportunity to stay motivated, keeping our eye on the prize. 

Setting goals is one thing, sticking to them and achieving them is completely different. Many start strong but lose momentum fast. Below are a few tips to help keep you motivated toward achieving your personal and educational goals.  

How to Stay Motivated to Achieve Your Goals 

• Remember your WHY– It’s important to remember why you set the goal in the first place. 
• Baby Steps – Break your goal down into smaller, more manageable steps.  
• Attitude is Key– Keep a positive attitude. Don’t let the small stuff get to you. Keep your eye on the prize.  
• Lean on Others- Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. There is no shame in asking for help! 
• Be Patient- Sometimes our goals change over time! That’s ok. It’s a journey.  

Regardless of your plans for the winter break, be sure that you take time for YOU! By practicing the three R’s- Relaxation, Reflection, and Rejuvenation- during the winter break, you will be ready to start 2023 with excitement, energy, and enthusiasm.  

Enjoy your break and see you in 2023. And don’t forget to check out our fun FLVS Winter digital wallpapers to celebrate the season!