After five painful months of essays, quizzes and tests, the holiday season is finally here. A month-long break from the stress of school lets students unwind and spend time with family and friends without thinking about when their next assignment is due.

Unlike other college towns, Boca has plenty of fun activities for students who are staying in town — so you can take some time to explore more of the area. 

Here are some things to do over the break if you want to take a mental health day on or around campus…

Take an FAU fitness class

According to Harvard Health, running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour can reduce the risk of depression. FAU’s gym offers multiple group fitness classes such as cycling, dancing and kickboxing. So blow off some steam by taking a class and meet some fellow students who are doing the same. Click here for their weekly fitness schedule.

Watch a movie at FAU’s Living Room Theaters

Grab a bag of popcorn and watch one of the many independent films that the Living Room 

Theaters has to offer. Watching movies has been used to improve mental health through group cinema therapy, according to the mental health resource website PsychCentral. Having a good laugh or cry during in interesting movie can even make expressing emotions easier for those who have a hard time with it, the site says.  

Sunset Beach Yoga on Delray Beach

Connect with yourself and the community by going to Delray Beach’s sunset yoga that is held

every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m. Yoga has several physical and mental benefits, according to the American Osteopathic Association, like…

• cardio health
• improved energy
• balanced metabolism
• stress relief
• mental clarity

FAU’s gym also has yoga classes available. 

Volunteer at Tri-County Animal Rescue 

Spend some time with adorable animals in need over the break, and even during the holidays. The Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca has volunteer positions available for every day. You can start with walking dogs or socializing cats that are up for adoption, according to their website. They prefer a three-month commitment, but say that “all levels of commitment are greatly appreciated.”

Coffee at Living Green Café or The Seed Boca 

Have conversations with friends in the charming atmosphere of Living Green Café and The Seed, which are both less than two miles away from FAU. The cafés are the perfect place to unwind and forget about the long semester. 

Some other coffee shops around campus are…

• R1 Coffee, 5 miles away
• Subculture Coffee, 9 miles away
• Organic Bean Co., 2.5 miles away

Doing the small things such as exercise, volunteering and spending time with good friends can boost your mood. Try to do something good for your mental health this winter break by focusing on your mind and body. 

Nichole Meyer is a contributing writer for the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected].