6 Wellness Ideas to Help You Recharge: Creative Ways to Relax, Reset and Feel More Like You This Term Break

Term breaks at The L.A. Film School aren’t just a chance to catch up on sleep or binge your favorite TV shows (although, yes—you should absolutely do that too). 

It’s also a chance to take a step back from the fatigue of classes, projects and deadlines to focus on you. 

Whether you’re heading out of town to take a break from the city or staying right here in the heart of Hollywood, here are 6 ways you can take care of your mental, emotional and physical well-being over the break—so you can come back rested, recharged, and feeling better and more creative than ever. 

1. Practice self-care

Between classes, deadlines and the creative hustle, self-care can easily fall off the to-do list and onto the back burner. 

But self-care doesn’t have to be complicated—or time-consuming. 

Even carving out just 15 minutes a day to care for your body and mind can improve your mood, energy and overall well-being. 

Try one (or more) of these simple acts of self-kindness:

• Try a DIY relaxation session: Light a scented candle, put on your favorite chill playlist, and treat yourself to a bath, face mask, or both. 
• Start a skincare routine: A quick morning or night ritual can become a soothing anchor in your day. Plus, your skin will get some love—it’s a win-win!
• Write it all out: Journaling is a great way to reflect, vent or dream. There’s no need for any structure—just grab a pen and some paper and let your thoughts flow. 
• Eat and drink clean: Summer break doesn’t mean surviving on energy drinks and instant noodles. Make sure you drink lots of water, have a varied diet and look after yourself (but no one will judge you for treating yourself now and again). 

Remember, taking care of your body and your mind is an underrated superpower. 

2. Focus on your emotional health

Term breaks can bring up all kinds of feelings. 

Relief, excitement, stress or uncertainty can raise their heads when our mind isn’t focused on class. 

But the good news is that there are easy, everyday ways to support your emotional health and bring more calm into your space. 

So if you’re looking for a digital detox, here are a few ideas you can try: 

• The 5-minute declutter: Clear a small area like your desk or nightstand. Get rid of any unnecessary clutter and throw out those bits that have been gathering dust. A tidy space can help quiet a busy brain. 
• Outdoor yoga at Bluff Park: Yoga is the perfect relaxer. Combine a zen moment with the calming sound of ocean waves with free daily sessions at 11 am at Bluff Park (but donations are appreciated). 
• Make a memory collage: Gather quotes, photos and magazine clippings that make you feel good. They can be from your term time, your home life or just whatever brings a smile to your face. Put them all together in a collage and put it where you’ll see it daily. 

3. Get up and moving

Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Moving your body, even in small bursts, can lift your mood, boost creativity and lower your stress. 

Want to make movement fun? Try: 

• A hike with a view: If you’re staying in or near the city, head to Runyon Canyon for city vistas or explore Malibu Creek if you’re up for a challenge. You’ll get the blood pumping and make some great scenic memories. 
• Gamify your workouts: Apps like Zombies, Run! turn movement into a full-on adventure. Suddenly, you’re not just going for a run, you’re surviving the zombie apocalypse. 
• Go geocaching: Geocaching is like a real-life treasure hunt. You use an app to walk around and discover hidden “caches” near your neighborhood or campus. Taking on goals and completing them (while getting some fresh air) can do wonders for your mind. 
• Beach workouts: Everyone loves the beach. So combine the sun, the sand and some sweat with a circuit or spin class on Santa Monica Beach. So you can work on your tan while you boost your fitness levels. 

4. Try some unique wellness experiences

Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. 

Different people respond to different things. So, trying something new—something that’s outside of your usual routine and comfort zone—can unlock new ways to experience calm and connection. 

Here are a couple of “off-the-beaten-path” ways to unwind. 

• Experience a sound bath: The Den and the Soundbath Center offer deep, meditative relaxation where you’re ‘bathed’ with sound vibrations. They’re said to reduce anxiety, stress and even heal physical pain—so they’re worth a go. 
• Visit the Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens: Tucked away in the city, this incredible spot offers tranquil gardens, meditation space and even tea service. Perfect for taking a load off your mind and relaxing into the zen. 

So if you’re craving a break from noise and screens, these quiet experiences can help you reset from the inside out. 

5. Get creative with self-care

When you add a splash of creativity or community to the mix, wellness can become something you actually look forward to. 

Sometimes, it’s about expressing yourself, making something fun, or laughing with friends until your face hurts. 

Creative play is a powerful (and underrated) form of wellness.

Here are a few ways you can lean into it: 

• Make a vision board: Cut out images, quotes and goals that inspire you. Then, arrange them on a board or wall. It’s part self-reflection, part daydreaming—and it can really get you thinking. 
• Host a spa night with friends: Turn your living room into a relaxation zone with robes, facials and calming playlists. 
• Get weird and crafty: What says ‘wellness’ more than a bit of fashion? Throw a “Trash Bag Fashion Show” or tie-dye night with a group of friends. You’ll end up with something memorable—even if it’s just hilarious photos. 

6. Ground yourself with mindfulness 

Mindfulness helps you stay present, in the moment and better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way. And no, it doesn’t mean you have to just sit still for hours with a blank mind—although you can do that too. 

This term break, why not try:

• Joining a Mindful USC class: These free programs support emotional growth, compassion and presence (no meditation experience required). 
• Visiting the Butterfly Pavilion: Walk among the fluttering wings at the Natural History Museum and reconnect with the natural world. 

Sure, mindfulness can be meditation. 

But it can also be dancing in your kitchen to your favorite song or taking a quiet, thoughtful walk through the park. 

It’s all about what helps you feel more like you. 

Reset in a way that feels right for you

This break is your chance to reclaim your time and your mind. 

So spend it in ways that support your well-being and allow you to recharge physically and mentally—whatever that looks like to you. 

Remember, you don’t have to be productive, you don’t have to achieve anything, you just need to do what’s right for you.

That could be taking a walk, talking to someone, or just unplugging yourself from the stresses of modern life for a bit. Even the little things can make a big impact. 

Prioritize rest, play, connection and care—and come back with a new sense of purpose.

You’ve earned it.