Editor’s note: The Daily Evergreen has decided to continue the Ask Emma column under a new name: Ask Life.

Dear Life Section,

Everyone I know is going on all of these flamboyant spring break trips, but I am going back home to my parents’ house. What can I do over break that will make it less dreadful?

Sincerely,

Spring break crisis

Dear Spring break crisis,

I am sorry to hear you cannot go on a vacation to unwind after the school week. However, going back home might not be as bad as it seems.

Don’t feel bad that your schedule is not jammed-packed like it usually is during a normal work week; this is your time to reflect on the first part of the semester, good or bad, and come back feeling refreshed with a newfound sense of purpose.

There are plenty of fun and productive things you can do besides sitting around, scrolling on social media and looking at what everyone else is doing. Use this week to feel good! Remember, social media is a highlight reel, and it’s okay to put it away during this time.

Take this time to rest

For starters, I think the idea of spring break serves as an opportunity to travel and let go of stress from school. Party destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Las Vegas; and Scottsdale, Arizona, are places students tend to go to forget about responsibilities and have a week of fun. What these college kids are missing is a healthy break away from not just school, but partying and quality rest.

So, do not feel bad if you go home, sit on the couch and watch your favorite show all week. According to the FSU Center for The Advancement of Teaching, rest is an essential part of working and productivity. Taking breaks can increase your creativity and give you more energy when you get back to school, work, socializing and exercise.

Do some spring cleaning

Yes, this suggestion is cliche, but it does not suck as much as you think. Put on your favorite playlist and start digging everything out of your closet.

We have all scattered piles of clothes across our room while trying to get reorganized. There is no better time than spring break to make a donation pile of the clothes you have not touched in over a year.

Here are seven signs that it is time to get rid of your clothes:

1. It has stains, holes, or smells bad
2. You no longer love it
3. It is from a trend that is completely outdated
4. It does not fit you
5. You have not worn it in a year
6. Does not fit your current style
7. It is just not comfortable

Work while everyone is playing

Other students may be sipping margaritas at the beach or taking a ski trip to Whistler, but that does not mean you can’t be productive over spring break. Take this time to network, update your LinkedIn profile or apply for internships and jobs.

In my personal experience, I have learned that a break from school is the best time to sit down and hash out resumes, cover letters and job applications because you will not be distracted by the busyness of school.

While you may have FOMO (fear of missing out) during spring break, turn it to JOMO (joy of missing out) instead! This will make you feel more comfortable with the situation you are in and find peace with relaxation and productivity.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

The Life Section