It’s hard to believe that the Fall Study Break is almost upon us. It feels like just yesterday that we were swimming outside and sitting on patios. But, like it or not, the air is getting colder and the leaves are falling, and that means we’re getting closer and closer to the November break.
It’s easy to blink and miss the break completely—it always feels like it’s over before it’s even started, but this year that will change. Here are some great things to do to have a productive and fun study break.
Go for a hike
If you’re lucky enough to be in Nova Scotia, you’re undoubtedly in one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada and have access to a number of stunning hikes and nature trails nearby. Though it’s getting chilly, we still have a few more weeks of sunny days, so why not take advantage of the beautiful sights and get outside with your friends? There are trails in Halifax that cater to adventurers of all different athletic abilities, ranging from easy trails like Salt Marsh Trail in Cole’s Harbour to more difficult ones like the Crowbar Lake Wilderness Trails. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a great time working out and getting fresh air.
Do some cold-weather surfing
This one is not for the faint of heart, but it’ll give you a great story to tell. Nova Scotia has a bustling surfing community, and there are many local businesses that rent out wetsuits and surfboards for a day of catching some chilly waves. You can catch people surfing throughout the winter at beaches like Lawrencetown, Cow Bay, and Martinique, so why not give it your best shot? Just don’t forget to break the icicles off the end of your nose when you’re done.
Get ahead on your schoolwork, perhaps?
A ground-breaking suggestion, I know, but you’ll thank me later. I know that I sound like your nagging mother when I say it, but the Fall Study Break is the perfect time to, well, study. Get ahead on some of your pre-uploaded lectures or knock off a couple of assignments. In reality, you’ll have more than enough time to get a bit of work done while still enjoying the break and having fun with your friends, so open up Brightspace and get working. Your December self will thank you. Or…
Take some time off from school work
Maybe “Study Break” means taking a break? Just because we’re doing online classes and you can spend an entire day working on them, doesn’t mean you have to. Take a few days for yourself and put school on the backburner. Binge-watch a show or movie you’ve been dying to see without guilt, play video games, knit, bake, spend time with your partner or family, or even just sit outside by yourself and enjoy nature. There are endless possibilities of things to fill your week with.
Try a new exercise class
If you’re looking for a change from your Dalplex routine, Halifax has a number of fun and unique workout experiences! Spinco on Birmingham Street offers high energy indoor cycling classes multiple times a day, seven days a week. Move East on Quinpool Road has a variety of different strength-building, cardio and yoga classes that’ll you will definitely feel in the morning. Or, if you prefer to slow things down, there are a number of yoga studios like Modo Yoga (Dresden Row) or Shanti Yoga (Spring Garden) that will challenge you while you unwind. Whatever you choose, getting some exercise in a new and fun way is a great way to blow off some steam and clear your head. As an added bonus, most studios offer introductory discounts or promotions, so go ahead and try them all!
Go to a physically distanced event
There are many classic fall activities still going on that have physical distancing and sanitization protocols in effect. Things like pumpkin patches, apple picking, corn mazes, and scarecrow festivals are still operating, just at lower volumes or with advanced tickets available for purchase online. A great event in Nova Scotia is Noggins Corner Farm Market and Corn Maze in Greenwich. All your favourite activities like wagon rides, a corn maze, and apple picking are still in full swing this year with a few tweaks such as hand sanitizer available, masks worn in indoor areas, and 6 feet distance between bubbles. I purchased advanced online tickets this year but discovered they do take walk-ins depending on total visitor flows. I highly recommend it for a great tase of classic fall fun and family time.
Go for a walk or a drive
If you’re like me, you’ve been staying at home more than ever before and are in desperate need of fresh air and a change of scenery. Take some short walks around your neighbourhood or got to a local park. You could even take a drive around other neighbourhoods or to somewhere you’ve never been before. Getting out and seeing different scenery will make you feel amazing and ease feelings of boredom or monotony.
Start your side hustle
Who would turn down a little bit of extra cash, especially with the holiday season right around the corner? The Study Break is the perfect time to dabble in earning a little bit of side income. Sell the clothes that you never wear on a thrifting app like Depop or Poshmark, or start selling all of those paintings you made while you were in quarantine. You could even try your hand (as I have) at starting a YouTube channel and becoming the next Emma Chamberlain (it hasn’t happened for me yet, but it could for you). The options are endless, and you’ll come away with a little extra money for coffee while you cram for finals in a few weeks.
Treat yo’ self
Do something luxurious, just for the fun of it! Get a massage, go out for a nice meal, or get your hair done (providing those services are currently available wherever you’re living). As important as it is to devote your time and energy to school, work, and whatever else might be on your plate, it’s just as important (if not more) to give yourself that same amount of attention. Sometimes it can be nice to just take some time for you and be a little frivolous, perhaps with the money you earned on your side hustle.
Do whatever you want
Above all, the Study Break is your week to do whatever you need to or want to. And this year it’s more welcome than ever. You can sleep all week, work all week, do something new every day, or just chill at home. As long as you come back from the break happy, refreshed, and ready to crush the last stretch of the term, then it was successful.