Maintain Your Wellbeing During Winter Break
This winter break can be a great time to prioritize your own wellbeing. Here are resources and support services available to you during the break:
Throughout your day, take quick 10-15 minute breaks. These breaks should be a time where you are not focused on a specific task but allowing your mind to relax. This allows your brain to recharge and refocus. Try reading a book, watching an episode of the Office, or listening to some music. You can also play a game or be creative with things like online Jigsaw Puzzles. Need more ideas? Check out this TED talk about the 7 types of rest or visit the Mind Pillar page on DoingWell for more practices.
Looking for free performances, festivals, or fun ways to unwind? Check out all the free events happening in Cambridge over break. The Council for the Arts at MIT (CAMIT) also provides free admission for MIT students to three major Boston area art museums, as well as discounted student tickets to performances.
Staying active is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Try to get outside for some fresh air, if the weather allows. The Z Center is open this break, check out their Winter Break hours.
- Try taking a virtual group exercise course offered by MIT Recreation, take a look at the Group Exercise schedule to sign up for a Zumba course or even pilates. You can also check out one of their Wellness Microlessons.
- If you’re looking to stay physical and build new connections, join the Midnight Runners Boston or contact the MIT Running Club for any runs they have going on during break!
Making sure you have access to food resources during Winter Break is a priority for MIT. We encourage you to explore these resources for more convenient and affordable food options!
- TechCASH can be used at H Mart, Brother’s, and Daily Table. Here is a full list of local businesses accepting TechCASH.
- In partnership with Daily Table, the Division of Student Life is offering on-campus students a free delivery option for their groceries! Use code 0923MIT12 (valid till 12/31/23 for online orders only, it cannot be used in-store) with a $20 minimum online purchase at Daily Table and receive free delivery to your on-campus location. For any questions, please email foodstuff@mit.edu.
- Check out the full MIT Food & Grocery Map for more locations near you or visit the DoingWell Food Security and Financial Resources page for more information.
- Try making some of these 47 affordable and easy recipes using Trader Joe’s ingredients. Check the MIT grocery shuttle schedule for pick up times and locations and find more information about nutrition on MIT Recreation’s Blog.
Winter Break is a great time to prioritize and reset your sleep hygiene. Learn expert information about caffeine, snoring, GPA, and more in the award-winning Sleep 101 online course (with MIT Touchstone login). You can view topics separately or complete the full program—which includes videos, interactive activities, and games—in about 45 minutes.
Just because the Institute is officially closed during Winter Break doesn’t mean there aren’t still great people to meet and ways to connect. Let HRS know that you will be here, at residence@mit.edu for undergraduates or graduatehousing@mit.edu for graduate students, so Residential and Community Life can share information about gatherings and opportunities to connect in the residences. Be on the lookout for meals, programs and opportunities for gathering during this time.
There are tons of free events happening daily that you can enjoy during the winter break. Visit The Boston Calendar for more details on free museums, outdoor performances, and other fun events nearby.
Looking to entertain the children? For Graduate students with Families, attend some of ArtBoston’s free children’s performances around the city.
Grab a truffle hot chocolate at The Holiday Market at Snowport. The market features 120+ local makers, a tree market for all your evergreen needs, and more food than ever before. Check out the Holiday Market at Snowport website for times and locations.
Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display over the Boston Commons on New Year’s Eve. Starting at 7 P.M. as part of the First Night Boston 2024 celebrations on December 31st. For more events visit the First Night Boston 2024 Schedule of events.
Visit the Wellbeing Calendar for any events happening over break at MIT. For more resources to help to connect, visit the Relationships Pillar page.
Developing a gratitude practice has many proven benefits for your physical and emotional wellbeing. Plus, reflecting on your day and finding appreciation for even the smallest thing is a great way to end your day. Here are some tools to help you practice gratitude:
Set yourself up this break for a successful Spring semester. Try these free 30-minute performance coaching workshop recordings from Community Wellness. Learn to maximize your performance, maintain motivation and focus, and improve sleep quality.
Whatever the structure of your Winter Break, there are opportunities to enhance your skills. Consider these five simple but helpful tips from Career Advising & Professional Development.
Visit DoingWell for more tools, like free apps, to clarify your sense of purpose.
- Dean on Call – Available to support students on nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Call: 617-258-1212 *Simply ask to speak with the Dean on Call. If you provide your name and phone number, the Dean on Call will call you back.
- MIT Police – For on-campus emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Call: 617-253-1212 or dial 911
- MIT Medical Urgent Care – 617-253-1311 *Available 24/7 by phone
- In person hours: 12/23/23 – 12/31/23 – 10am – 4pm *MIT Urgent Care is closed on 12/25/23 and 1/1/24
- MIT Medical Urgent Mental Health Concerns – 617-253-2916 *Available 24/7 by phone
For other tips to prioritize your wellbeing visit doingwell.mit.edu.