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For college ÉÁµç×ÊÔ´Íøs, every semester is challenging. Stress and anxiety are the top reasons ÉÁµç×ÊÔ´Íøs 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 ÉÁµç×ÊÔ´Íøs to recharge. Here are some strategies for helping your ÉÁµç×ÊÔ´Íø come back raring to go for the next semester.

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

Give your ÉÁµç×ÊÔ´Íø 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 Colgate’s Counseling and Psychological Services.