Here in Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington students are getting ready to clear off campus for spring break. I never really liked breaks much when I was in school because I had difficulty dealing with change. I saw nothing wrong with going to school 5 days a week. I liked consistency and predictability. In my opinion, breaks just messed with something that was already fine the way it was. Now, in my adult years, I still like sticking to a pretty consistent schedule and routine, but I have gotten better at coping with the ebb and flow of life in a college town.
Perhaps the bigger point is not so much that I don’t do well with breaks, but that I don’t do well with too much free time or sitting idle. When the students head out for spring break, I make sure to plan ahead and have plenty on my calendar to keep me engaged and busy. When I’m busy, I feel like I can be productive. I’m happier when I’m busy, and for me, staying involved and active is better for my mental health than to have too much alone time where I can sit and think. Don’t get me wrong, I do like some alone time, but not too much. I have always loved to have something to do, a job that needs to get done. I just must make sure I’m not so busy that everything gets too overwhelming. Spring break for me now usually means that at least some of my direct care providers leave town. Usually, I continue working, but I don’t work every day.
Here are some suggestions for things I do to help stay busy when I’m not on the clock and while direct care providers are off having fun:
Keep Up with Physical Activity:
At least 3 days a week, I like to start off my day with a good swim. I was on a year-round swim team starting when I was about 10, and even though I don’t compete anymore, I still love swimming for fitness. I find that it helps not only with physical health, but I’m happier, calmer, more focused, and less anxious when I swim regularly.
Engage in a Hobby:
I am currently reading Louise Penny’s novels if you are familiar with them, but I am reading them on Audible. I have loved doing this. Maybe your loved one is not a big reader but can find something else they enjoy and make time for it. Better yet, invite others to do it with you. My mom got me into Louise Penny’s books. I started reading them and at first thought I wouldn’t like them and stopped, but then tried again. We enjoy discussing the books and our different insights, and yes, I’m always excited when the dog, Henri, is a part of the story.
Volunteer:
Your town may have businesses and organizations that could really use a helping hand if you are sitting at home with no spring break plans. Consider contacting your local animal shelter, food bank, community garden center, or others and donating some of your day.
Bring Back (or Start) a Family Game Night:
Get Scrabble, Monopoly, or Ticket to Ride out of the closet and set up. Don’t forget to stop at the grocery for snacks!
Whatever you find yourself doing over spring break, have fun!
Nassim, A. (2023). Dealing with Breaks and Schedule Changes. https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/dealing-with-breaks-and-schedule-changes.html