Find Your Perfect Holiday Balance

Dec 19 / Ciara

Midterm is approaching...This is a perfect time to relax, recharge, and reconnect.

The first weeks of school can be demanding, and maybe you’ve been too busy to catch up with your friends properly or spend time doing your favourite things.

Well, this midterm break is the perfect time for ALL students to recalibrate.

For exam students, school breaks offer a great chance to meet your study goals, but don’t forget to rest is just as important.

Our brain work best when it’s well rested, fed and hydrated. So your challenge is to use this midterm break as an opportunity to get some study time but also recharge for next term (and yes that includes a good old lie in)!

We’ve got a handy resource posted below to help you plan a productive yet joyful break.

From all of us at Super Generation, we hope the students enjoy the school break. Let’s make this holiday count together!

Find Your Perfect Holiday Balance

Step 1: Rate your energy

On a scale of 1-5, how energised are you feeling right now?

A) 1 = Exhausted
    4= ~Tired 

B) 3 = Normal levels of energy
     2 = Slightly higher levels of energy than normal
     1 = Energized and Motivated

On a scale of 1-5, how on track are you with your schoolwork and study?

A) 5 = I’m really behind
    4 = I'm slight behind

B) 3 = I’m on track 
     2 =  I'm slightly ahead of schedule
     5 = I’m way ahead of schedule

Results:

A + A)  Low Energy (1–2) + Behind on my work (1–2):
Rest first, then add in light study (max 1 hr/day). Focus on review activities (flashcards, quizzes) rather than heavy new material. When your energy recovers follow recommendation for Medium Energy.

A + B) Low Energy (1–2) + On Track/Ahead (3-5):
Rest first, Focus on reviewing material you have already covered to help support in embed in your long term memory. Remember to test your knowledge by practicing exam papers.

B + B) Medium Energy (3) + On Track (3):
Keep things going...Remember to keep it balanced to avoid burning out. Keep with your study plan, it's clearly working well, but please include some extra downtime. Mix in practice questions to stay sharp.

B + A) High Energy (4–5) + Behind (1–2):
Use your motivation! Study 2–3 hrs/day in focused chunks. Remember to take study breaks to avoid burn out. Reward yourself with relaxation or a fun activity after each study session. Focus on your weakest topics first.

 B +B)  High Energy (4–5) + On Track/Ahead (3–5):
Great position! Light daily study (30–60 mins) is enough. Spend the rest of your time on fun, friends, and self-care. 

Other recommendations: 

Medium Energy (3) 
Aim for a balanced schedule: 1–2 hrs study per day + breaks + fun time. Priorities revising your weakest topics and subjects over this break.

Step 2: What’s Your Holiday Balance Type?

How do you feel about studying over the holidays?
A) I’m ready to dive into my books and hit my goals.
B) I’ll study, but only when I really feel like it.
C) What’s studying? This break is all about fun!

What’s your energy level like right now?

A) I’m feeling okay, just need a bit of a reset.
B) I’m pretty tired and need to relax.
C) I’m exhausted—I need a serious break!

What’s one thing you’re most looking forward to?

A) Getting ahead on schoolwork.
B) Spending time with friends or family.
C) Sleeping in and watching movies all day.

Results:

Mostly A: The Focused Achiever – You’re all about goals!
Top tip: Make sure to schedule in breaks to avoid burnout and plan that you have time to spend with people you love or doing things you enjoy!

Mostly B: The Balanced Planner – You’re off to a great start!
Top tip: Keep your study and rest time in harmony. Organization is key - make a plan and stick too it. Don't forget to test your knowledge e.g. exam questions, quizzes, flashcards.

Mostly C: The Relaxation Pro – Rest is important and you absolutely deserve it!  However, studying little and often allows you to have fun in between, if you leave it all to the end you might find studying even more stressful and having to pull an all nighter! Why not try practicing exam questions over the holidays to test your strengths and weakness?

Step 2: Your Holiday Balance Checklist

Use this checklist to create your perfect schedule:

Daily Study Goal
❑ Choose what topics you will study and when
❑ Set a realistic target (e.g., 1-2 hours) until all topics are covered.
❑ Take 2-5 minute breaks every 30 minutes to stay refreshed and a 10-15 minute break every hour!

Relaxation Time
❑ Plan at least one fun activity each day (movies, games, or walks).
❑ Remember to make time for seeing friends and family in person!

Self-Care
❑ Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
❑ Stay active - workout at the gym, 30 min mid-pace walk or maybe some yoga!

Reflection
❑ At the end of each day, ask: Did I balance work and fun today?

Final Step: Write it down

Now let's write your goals down. 

  1. Fill in your calendar Monday - Friday (or duration of the school break)
  2. What topics will you student?
  3. When will you study each day?


Checklist:
  1. Are you getting enough sleep?
  2. Have you time to do the things you enjoy?
  3. Have you free time to be spontaneous!


Stick this up above your study area and another copy in your family area so your family can help support you stay on track!

"I can't do the dishes...remember i have to study maths!!"