​Thanksgiving break is just around the corner, and everyone’s itching to get home and/or finally enjoy the opportunity to take a breather for a couple days. Regardless of how you view the holiday, take some time to reflect on the past few months, absorb the fact that the semester is quickly coming to an end (yikes!), and be mindful of what you are thankful for each and every day. Here are some suggestions for how to get started:

Hug someone. Admit it, this semester has not been easy. Assignments on assignments, essays, projects, midterms… it’s hard to get through all of it! Whether you’re headed back home to the friends and family that you haven’t seen in ages, staying in Berkeley, or traveling, slow down and give yourself a chance to soak in your surroundings. Cal’s fast-paced, high-pressure environment can be taxing. Hug someone, catch up with that friend you’re always meaning to, or go watch Katniss kick ass in the latest Hunger Games flick. You deserve it.

Thank Mom and Dad.  You’ve been at school for 3 months. During that time, you maybe could’ve called your parents a few more times. Now, here’s your chance to make up for that time you “forgot” to send Dad a pic of your dinner (because you actually only ate 10 saltine crackers and a tablespoon of peanut butter. because #collegebudget). Let the people you love know how much you appreciate them.

Write it down. Probably the most common way to reflect, writing down your thoughts is a great way to let off some steam and realign your focuses. Choose your favorite medium – pen on paper, a blog, sketching – and get to (the good kind of) work! Even if you don’t consider yourself much of a writer or even just someone who records their life, looking back at your musings is really cool. It’s like keeping a time capsule, just waiting to be discovered by future you! If anything, one day you can reread your entries and laugh at how seriously you took everything back then.

Thanksgiving break is a great time to have a quick recharge, catch up on some sleep and family time, and yes, snag some great deals on your holiday shopping. Amidst all the chatter and activity, however, be sure to channel some of that time off towards some introspection and arrive back at Cal refreshed and ready to tackle those finals!