After a tough semester there is nothing better than taking a much deserved break. And the holidays are a perfect time to recharge the batteries, spending time with family and friends is essential to being ready to face a new semester, with new academic challenges.

Sometimes I found that a few relaxing activities weren’t enough to recharge the battery. I needed more something that not only rejuvenated the body and mind but I felt that my heart and soul needed to rejuvenate.

Here are several things I found very helpful.

1. A good heart to heart talk

It was at these times I would make some time with a long time close friend, mentor or family member, and schedule time to just be together, and talk. Just simply talking out the semester and various stressors really helped me to put things in perspective and really helped me to recharge my batteries at a deeper level. It would either be a long phone call, or a trip to the coffee shop. I’d carve out time for 2 to 3 refills of my favorite drink. Talking can be so therapeutic, one of the best ways to make sure that it’s effective therapy is to be sure to keep the conversation positive, even if you need to get some negative things off your chest, be sure that you end the time on a positive note. Talk about how you’re going to grow or learn from the challenges you’ve found yourself facing.

Take some time to attend a church service.

Spending time in a church can do wonders for your soul, even if you’re not sure what you believe, the atmosphere and encouragement of a church can be a great place over the holidays to re charge yourself. I’ve had many friends who don’t often attend church regularly but that when they did they found it to be a positive experience, and it gave them things to think about, and encouragement through tough times and a great way to unwind.

2. Write

Not everyone likes to write but it is a great way to feel rejuvenated. There is something truly amazing about putting pen to paper. Write about fond memories, times when you were growing up, a great night out with friends, a great afternoon with family, a good talk with a close family member. Write about the things that make you feel most alive.

3. Music

The soul feeds off of good music a few hours of your favorite music, either alone or among friends can do amazing things for the mind, body, and soul. A couple of hours of jazz, a night at your favorite concert, or an afternoon, or evening in a house filled with great music can help you feel so alive.  I love to just sit and listen to hours of great music, there is nothing like it.

4. Cooking

I found that often this goes hand in hand with an afternoon of my favorite music, baking is an amazing therapy as well. Discovering new desserts or putting together old favorites for the holidays is so relaxing. Pull out an old favorite recipe book, or get a new one and look up a new recipe that you want to put together. This is a great way to unwind and feel fulfilled.

5. Give, to those without

It may seem like this wouldn’t necessarily help you recharge the batteries, but you’d be surprised at how planning to give to those who cannot give back is a great way to recharge. Often I’ve found that I often get more than I give. I provide necessities, whether that’s physical things I give to help a family or group, or whether it’s the time I take to spend time with them as they get ready for the holidays. Giving is an essential way that I feel rejuvenated.

I hope you find these helpful, please pass them on and share with friends and family, re-tweet and digg to help others recharge during this holiday season.

Sophie

P.S. don’t forget to grab a copy of your very own thank you gift.

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