Winter break is finally here (yay!!), but you may be asking yourself what you should be doing during the break to prep for next semester. In this article, I’m going to share with you how I would spend my winter break and give you some tips on how to be prepared for the next semester ahead.
Tip #1: RELAX!!
The number one thing that takes priority during this break is your mental health! Therefore, you have to spend time RELAXING and to make a point to not feel guilty about it.
Relaxing during the break is very important because chances are you just spent the last several months sleep deprived, stressed, overworked, and your brain/body is extremely exhausted.
Plus, those friends and family members you haven’t seen in a while want to spend time with you…..so take some time to relax and do things you enjoy. TIP: Avoid thinking about anything nursing related until you have to!
Tip #2: Set a date!
I took time off where I didn’t do anything nursing related from the time I took my last final until the day after Christmas. Then after Christmas (I still took the weekends off), I would take about 2 hours a day and prep for the upcoming semester.
For example, about every semester I had HESI exams to worry about, so I would take time to read my HESI study guide and practice lots of questions. Are you studying for HESI too….check out my study log on how I prepped for the HESI exit exam…it may give you some ideas on how to study.
Also, I would ask myself what classes in the upcoming semester are going to be the hardest. I would review what study guides and textbooks I would need for next semester and start reviewing basic concepts.
Tip: Are you needing textbooks for next semester? If you haven’t heard about Amazon Prime for Students you may want to check it out and sign-up for a free month trial. You can get FREE and FAST delivery on textbooks. Plus, if you sign-up we earn a small commission that helps support this site and YouTube channel.
Also, you can watch my videos on how to prep for upcoming classes. Are you taking any of the classes below? I have videos on how to study for those classes that may help you as well.
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Pathophysiology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Mental Health Nursing
- Maternity Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
Tip #3: Keep things simple and don’t overdo it!
If you were given assignments during the break, try to keep your studying time balanced with your relaxation time. Don’t overdo it!
I know that many times I would have a dosage and calculation exam the first day back, so I would have to spend my time studying for that, but I would make it where I had more time relaxing than studying. Remember it is so important you relax and do something fun during the break so you can have the stamina and mental effort to get through next semester.
I hope you all have a great winter break, and I look forward to see you all back next semester.