Tag Archives: self-care

My Winter Self-Care Routine

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Hey y’all!
I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the start of winter break. For me, this season has always been the perfect time to reset. After finals, late nights, and constant deadlines, my brain just needs a break. So today I thought I’d share my winter self-care routine, and some things I like to do to recharge during the colder months.


Warm Drinks and Slowing Down
There is something so comforting about a warm drink. Whether it’s coffee, hot chocolate, or tea, I always have something warm nearby during the winter. It forces me to slow down and just breathe for a few minutes instead of rushing from task to task. Sometimes I’ll sit by the window and just watch the weather outside. It sounds small but it helps so much.


Winter Walks
I know it sounds silly, but going outside even when it’s cold helps a lot. Just a quick walk around the neighborhood clears my head and helps me reset. Plus winter air just feels different somehow. It’s refreshing in a way that summer air never is. I love putting on my headphones, playing soft music, and pretending I’m in my own little movie scene.


Rebuilding My Sleep Schedule
After finals week… let’s be honest, my sleep schedule basically doesn’t exist. Winter break is the time when I finally get to fix it. I try to go to bed earlier, wake up earlier (kind of), and just feel like a normal human again. Sleep is truly underrated, especially in college. If I can get 8 hours, I feel unstoppable.


Journaling and Reflection
Winter has this calmness that makes it easier to reflect. I like to journal about the semester, what I learned, what I struggled with, and what I’m proud of myself for. Even if things didn’t go perfectly, it’s good to see how far I’ve come. I also like writing a few goals for spring, nothing intense, just simple things I want to focus on.


Cozy Movie Nights
Blankets. Christmas lights. Hot chocolate. Cheesy movies. Friends. That’s literally all I need. Winter is the best excuse to stay inside and relax without feeling guilty. I usually pick one of my favorite childhood Christmas movies and enjoy laughing with my closest friends.


Final Thoughts
Winter break is a chance to breathe. A chance to reset. A chance to be gentle with yourself after an entire semester of pushing nonstop. Whatever your version of self-care is, do it.
Until next time ✈️
Olivia Strickland

Beating Burnout: Learning to Rest in College

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Hey y’all!
I hope everyone’s week has been going well. Today, I want to talk about something I think every college student faces at some point, burnout. It’s that feeling when you’re running on empty, constantly tired, and no amount of coffee seems to help.
When I first started college, I thought burnout was just being “a little tired.” I figured if I just pushed through it, I’d feel better eventually. Spoiler alert: that’s not how it works. After a few weeks of late nights, back-to-back classes, and endless studying, I hit a wall. I was exhausted, unmotivated, and honestly, just didn’t feel like myself.
Through trial and error (and maybe a few too many energy drinks), I learned how important it is to rest. Really rest! So, here are three things that have helped me manage and avoid burnout while at Embry-Riddle:


1. Listen to Your Body and Mind
It sounds obvious, but it’s so easy to ignore the signs of burnout. When you’re constantly busy, you might not notice how tired you are until it hits hard. I used to push through headaches, fatigue, and mental fog just to finish one more assignment. Now, I pay attention.
If I feel myself zoning out or getting irritated easily, that’s my cue to take a break. Sometimes that means going for a walk, taking a nap, or watching an episode of my favorite show, House MD. It’s amazing how much better you feel when you give yourself permission to pause.


2. Find a Balance Between Work and Play
College is important, but it shouldn’t consume your entire life. I used to feel guilty if I wasn’t constantly being “productive.” But the truth is, productivity doesn’t always mean grinding 24/7. It’s about balance.
Joining UnReel Media, our film club, has been one of my best decisions. It’s given me a creative outlet and a break from academics. Whether it’s acting, writing, or just hanging out with people who share the same passion, it helps me recharge. Find something outside of your coursework that brings you joy like music, art, sports, anything that lets your brain rest.


3. Don’t Be Afraid to Slow Down
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of college life. Trying to keep grades up, be involved, and plan your future all at once can be overwhelming. But it’s okay to take things one step at a time. You don’t have to do everything all at once, and you don’t have to have it all figured out.
If you need to take a mental health day, take it. Go outside. Sit by the flight line and watch planes take off. Grab coffee with a friend. Life won’t fall apart if you slow down . In fact, it often gets better.


Final Thoughts
Burnout happens to everyone, but it doesn’t have to control your college experience. The best thing you can do for yourself is to take care of your mind as much as your GPA. Remember, rest isn’t lazy, it’s necessary.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️