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For college students, every semester is challenging. Stress and anxiety are the top reasons students come to the counseling center. Breaks are not only a time to visit with family and friends — and perhaps earn some cash — they are also opportunities for students to recharge. Here are some strategies for helping your student come back raring to go for the next semester.

Finding ways to incorporate wellness practices into daily habits is the goal — and students can use time over their breaks from school to bounce back if they have fallen off track. Here are some ways to encourage your student to prioritize their well-being during the upcoming break. 

Give your student permission to rest and relax.

• Let them sleep in
• Refrain from scheduling too much — give time to relax
• Remind them about self-care, and the importance of putting health and wellness as a priority (see more below)

Encourage them to take time for self-care:

• Read a book they’ll enjoy
• Hang out with trusted friends
• Sleep in and catch up on relaxation
• Eat good food and reset their healthy habits if they’ve gotten off course
• Do a hobby they don’t have time for during the semester

Incorporate rejuvenation in holiday gift ideas

• A meditation app
• Massage or reiki session
• Sleep masks or ear plugs (great residence hall sleep aids!)

Do a family activity

• Take a nature hike 
• Cook a healthy meal together
• Give back to your community — volunteer for a local charity

Check in on how the semester went. Find quiet time for an open-ended conversation:

• What went well?
• Are you using any college resources?
• How are you taking care of yourself while away from home?
• What challenges are you facing on campus?
• How can we support you?

— LaFrance is assistant vice president of ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ’s Counseling and Psychological Services.