Whether you’re jet setting to the Bahamas with friends (jealous) or heading home to spend some quality time with your family, Spring Break is a week that we all look forward to. After a stressful week of midterms, there’s no question that we all need this time to regroup.

If you’re heading off to the tropics and spending your time on the beach, be smart. We tend to get carried away and over excited for the freedom we have for a week. But we need to keep in mind that traveling can be dangerous. Be smart when you’re traveling, keep your things by you at all times and always be on your game. If you’re over 21 and drinking while you’re away, be sure to be aware of your surrounds. Live it up and have an awesome time, but just be smart while doing so.

When you’re getting ready to head off to the beach and lie in the sun, don’t forget to wear sunscreen! The last thing you want to do is come home with sunburn. We tend to undermine the seriousness of too much sun, but keep in mind that you can really damage your skin. So before running off to the ocean, put some lotion on. You’ll thank yourself later.

While you’re lounging on the beach, take a deep breath and realize that this is the time you have to relax. How often do we stop and appreciate the beauty of having no obligations? If you’re heading off to paradise, realize that this is finally the chance you have to be free from your schoolwork. For now at least.

If you’re heading home for the week, you’ll have plenty of time for relaxation. Take advantage of the time you have to lounge around, stay in your pajamas all day, and watch tons of movies. Hang out with your siblings and family and friends that you haven’t been around for a while. Go shopping and out to eat and do things with your family. We tend to forget that our parents and families actually miss us when we’re gone! Use this week to regroup for yourself but also to spend some quality time with them.

Use your spring break to your benefit, no matter if you’re home or away. The key to my spring break will be relaxation. I hope yours is the same!

Image Source: We Heart It