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Spring break can be a good time to relax, catch up on studies, or have fun with friends and family. Whether you stay in town or travel, break time is an opportunity to use hours out of the classroom to do something different. If you are traveling, avoid unwanted troubles with the following safety tips.

A main risk for serious injury is vehicle crashes. Avoid driving while drowsy as this causes as many accidents as driving while intoxicated. Even if you are in a hurry to get home or get to a vacation destination, make sure the driver is well rested. Pull over if needed.

Carry a small first-aid kit while on the road. Include Band Aids, sunscreen, skin ointments, wet wipes and over-the-counter medications for pain. Keep hydrated if you will be in the sun.

If you plan to drink alcohol, drink water between alcoholic beverages, as alcohol is a diuretic. Drink for a buzz rather than a binge by limiting alcohol to no more than one beverage per hour. It will save your body empty calories that add up quickly, and save you potential stress from impulsive acts done under the influence.

Not drinking alcohol at all is recommended if you are driving, on medication, pregnant, underage, ill, psychologically upset or in a high-risk situation. Every year there are college students who get robbed, assaulted, lose wallets or find themselves in the hospital or jail because of excessive drinking. No one expects to end up with alcohol poisoning or going to court for tickets while on a trip; it isn't fun.

Sexual decision-making can be compromised with alcohol use, so respect yourself by keeping your boundaries in place. Make sure there is mutual consent for any intimate activity. Coming home from a trip with an STD or pregnancy may create an unexpected change for life.

Watch out for your friends, use a buddy system, and travel with your values and goals in mind.

Students who are not beach-bound can use this time to bond with friends and family, write that paper you have been procrastinating or get ahead on reading assignments. Doing some schoolwork now may allow a less stressful spring after the break.

For some students going home, family is a stressor. Plan ahead to decide how you will handle conflict situations that may arise. Some college-age students who are used to being independent feel pressured by problems with parents.

Have a back-up plan, such as leaving the house to exercise or go to the library to get out if things seem too tense. It is normal to feel a variety of emotions, such as irritation, anxiety or sadness in difficult family situations. However, a sign of emotional intelligence is an ability to control actions and use positive coping methods.

Those staying in town may enjoy the quieter environment; others may feel a little lost with fewer folks around. Most SIUC offices are open. This can be a good time to take care of needed business. For those who are bored, make a list of all the things you would like to do, but never have the time. Rent a yoga video, hike, learn a hobby, volunteer to help others less fortunate or find other non-costly ways to improve your life.

For confidential help with stress, substances, sexuality, nutrition or self care contact the Wellness Center at 536-4441.

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