As the final bell of the week rings at Green Hope High School, excitement fills the air. Whether students are heading to the beach, catching a flight or staying home, this week presents a much-needed break from the pressures of coursework and the daily stresses of school life. To ensure that every student returns refreshed and ready to finish the remainder of the school year, here is a guide to a safe and enjoyable spring break.
Travel Safety Tips
Students planning to leave Cary for spring break should keep several key safety tips in mind. According to the National Park Service (NPS), the buddy system is important in crowded places, assuring that no one wanders off alone. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also recommends having fully charged devices and a portable power bank for emergencies. Students should share their live locations with a parent or trusted adult so someone knows their whereabouts. Finally, to protect their privacy and home security, they should wait until they return home to post vacation photos and videos, preventing strangers from knowing their exact location or that their home is empty.
Health Reminders
Spring break is the perfect time to break the cycle of academic burnout and give the body an opportunity to recover. Spending time outdoors has been shown to boost mood, improve energy levels and lower stress, making it a great way to pass time during the break. Rather than staying inside playing video games or scrolling through posts on social media, teens should take advantage of the spring weather and enjoy activities like picnics, playing outdoor sports or swimming. However, because the sun is increasingly strong in North Carolina by late March, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours to avoid painful burns. Staying hydrated is also very important for people who spend long days outside in the heat. Experts recommend drinking about eight ounces of water, which is one cup every 15 to 20 minutes. Following this habit helps the body stay energized and prevents serious health problems caused by high temperatures.
Perhaps most importantly, students should use this time to catch up on sleep lost during late-night study sessions. The Sleep Foundation notes that the teenage brain needs deep rest to recover and maintain the focus required to finish off the school year strong. Sleeping in a few extra hours each day during spring break gives the body time to recover and can help students perform better when they return to school. With that being said, teens should not spend the entire break tucked away in their rooms. There are a variety of events, activities and places that can provide entertainment and relaxation over spring break.
Local Events
For students staying in the Cary area, the Triangle offers several ways to have fun and connect with the community without traveling far. On March 31 and April 2, Downtown Cary Park is hosting “Spring BreakOUT,” a free event from 10 a.m. to four p.m. Activities like outdoor laser tag, blacklight pottery painting and more will be available along with food trucks for attendees to enjoy. Sports fans can also head to the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary to catch high-level games. On April 3 at 5 p.m., students can visit Bond Park for the “Bands, Bites and Boats” event to enjoy live music and food trucks. It is a great opportunity for friends and family to hang out by the lake.
Spring break is an opportunity to find balance. Whether students are on vacation or simply catching up on their favorite shows, it’s a perfect time to take a mental break and have fun.
