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By Meri-Leigh Smith, associate director of wellness and health promotion

Spring break is a week that most students start looking forward to in January! It is a time to step away from the pressure of school and truly take a break.

From the outside looking in, we see students taking off on vacation, partying and generally just letting go of their worries, but in reality most students use spring break to catch up on studying, work and family.

It begs the question: Do students really take a break?

Take the time to step away from the things that usually take up your time (or at least as much as you can) and reconnect with people you haven't seen in a while, do something that will rejuvenate your mind and body, and just rest. Allow yourself time to simply be present.

No matter your plans or destination this spring break, you want to be smart about the decisions you are making so you return ready to tackle the rest of the semester. We often turn to things that negatively affect our "recharging process" to relieve stress, including alcohol. If you choose to consume alcohol, here are some tips to keep you safe:

• Set a limit: Know how much you plan to drink ahead of time and stick to it. Know how much alcohol is in a standard drink.
• Eat and stay hydrated: Avoid feeling sick by eating before you drink and snack often. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water or other non-caffeinated drinks can help you stay in control.
• Watch your drink: Watch your drink being made, keep your drink in your hand and never accept a drink from anyone else. If your drink leaves your sight, throw it out and get a new one.
• Have a plan: If you're going out with friends, make a plan for how you're all going to get home or appoint someone to be the designated sober driver.

Spring break activities will be happening on the Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses to help you prepare for a safe and fun spring break. Click to find out what's happening on a campus near you!