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Safe and Healthy Spring Break Tips

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Spring Break

A week of recess from college during March or April is a longstanding tradition. Spring Break provides relief from academic studies, time to catch up, travel, enjoy time with friends and family, give back to the community or just enjoy the pleasure of sleeping in.

It is no secret that health contributes to academic success.  Yet, academic, work, social and personal demands can be overwhelming, undoing our efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Spring Break provides an excellent opportunity to recommit to wellness.

 

Facts

When asked about the previous year’s spring break:

  • Most (78%) ASU students surveyed said they spent Spring Break in Arizona. 17% travelled out of state, and 5% travelled abroad.
     
  • ASU students’ most common Spring Break activity was working (54%). Other top Spring Break activities were relaxing (47%), studying (42%), and going home to visit family and friends (26%).
     

When asked about the upcoming Spring Break:

  • Nearly half (46%) of ASU students surveyed say they won’t be drinking any alcohol at all during Spring Break.
     
  • Those who drink? 70% say they will drink between 1-4 days during Spring Break, with an average of 2.3 drinks per day.

ASU Wellness. The ASU Spring Break Survey, January 2015 (n=139).

Be Safe and Have Fun: Spring Break Advice from ASU Students

We asked ASU students for Spring Break advice they would give their classmates… here’s what they had to say:

Safety Tips Offered by ASU Students

  • Know your surroundings and make sure you are with people you trust.
  • Be safe, especially if you are out of state or out of the country.
  • Stay in a group. Get your own drinks. Stay vigilant.
  • Have fun, but don’t be irresponsible. Your health and safety is important.
  • If you are planning for outdoor activities, make sure that you remember to stay hydrated.
  • Use the buddy system.
  • Be safe. Don’t drink and drive. Use protection.
  • Keep your phone with you at all times.
  • Even though you’re having fun, try to remain smart about where you are, what you’re doing and how much money you’re spending.
  • Stay safe, designate a driver and don’t feel like you missed out if you don’t go wild.

Wellness Tips Offered by ASU Students

  • Get as much regenerative rest as you can and spend some time doing absolutely nothing.
  • Be yourself. Be happy. Enjoy the memories!
  • Definitely make sure to recharge for the rest of the semester to come.
  • Enjoy yourself. Do something that you find fun and relaxing to get your mind off of classes, even if just for an hour or two.
  • Don’t forget to visit friends and family – they miss you!
  • Go out, meet people and do something you have been waiting for a break to do!
  • Take the opportunity to incorporate your studies into a volunteer position. Even if it’s for a few days.
  • Go out to discover the world.
  • Have a great time, and take the break to relax. Enjoy yourself, and don’t get hung up on working and studying your life away. Life is all about balance.
  • Go outdoors and be physically active. Go hiking, camping, or swimming. Spend time with your friends and family. You can always have fun without drinking or doing drugs.

General Tips Offered by ASU Students

  • Try to have fun, but also incorporate work that will go toward your future career.
  • Use the time for something fulfilling.
  • Don’t do anything stupid. You still have to apply for jobs.
  • Use this time as a mental health break or to get caught up on your studies.
  • Have fun, but also use the break to get caught up with your class work.

ASU Wellness. The ASU Spring Break Survey, January 2012 (n=186). January 2015 (n=139).

Spring Break Resources & Information