How High School Students Can Make The Most of Winter Break

It’s almost the end of the semester … which means winter break is on the horizon! Winter break is the second-best time of the school year—following summer break of course—and time that most people use to rest and recuperate for the spring semester. 

Instead of using up all your break time to binge-watch your favorite TV show, try some different ways to use your time this year. If you’re a Junior or Senior, there is only so much time left to strengthen your college applications and gain new experiences to add to them before applications are due and acceptances start rolling in. 

To make the most of your winter break this year, try some of these 6 activities to assure you’re relaxed and prepared for another great semester in January.

1. Have Fun & Relax

Listen, you don’t need to spend your whole break productively. Sleep in to catch up on all your missed sleep and feel free to spend as much time as you want catching up on all the shows you were too busy to watch during the year. 

2. Take Care of Your Body

Take some time to strengthen your mind and body this break. Weather permitting, take some walks with friends and family. Remember to eat some nutritious, whole foods to fuel your brain in-between cookies and sweets.  

3. Volunteer & Give Back 

This holiday season, give something beyond the material by volunteering at or donating to a local organization. Taking care of others has positive effects on those you help directly and their whole community. What’s more, building a relationship with a local charitable organization can help your own mental health and strengthen your college application

4. Read a Book for Yourself

Reading so many books for school all year can spoil your appetite for reading in general. This is such a shame because there are so many amazing fiction, nonfiction, or self-help books out there that you don’t usually have enough time to read. Take time this break to curl up with a good book and learn something new!

5. Read Your Notes

It’s easy to forget everything you learned this semester over break. Set yourself up to succeed next semester by reading your class notes every other day or night before bed. Winter break is also a great time to figure out the class concepts you haven’t been understanding.

6. Try Something New

This winter break, try something new and adventurous that you wouldn’t have time to do during the school year. Learn a new skill like baking or graphic design or go on a hike with friends or family. You’re not going to be in high school forever, so make the most of the time you have to discover who you are and spend time with friends and family.

Final Thoughts on Winter Break

However you choose to spend your time this winter break, remember that the holidays are about spending quality time with your friends, family, and the people you love. So enjoy it! 

Need help studying during the break or want to get ahead? Sign up for UPchieve and get access to free online tutors and college counselors whenever you need it.