So, here we are, Spring Break.
We’ve been in college a while and we’ve heard “Panther Pride” enough to truly understand our greatness.
We’ve been around the college block and have heard the warnings about partying before, we get it…right?
Well, Spring Break is a different beast.
Although we Panthers are fierce, we must apply our cunning intelligence in order to understand our limits and what to expect while venturing into Spring Break.
Regardless of whether we’re sticking around Melbourne, going home, or venturing to one of those “wild Spring Break spots” (emphasis on the wild), we need to be aware of how to party smart and, most importantly, stay safe!
Here are some tips on how to tame your Spring Break party instincts:
Know Your Boundaries and Plan Ahead!
Before you go out, identify your limits.
When you are not under the influence and making clear-headed decisions is the best time to consider what you believe your personal boundaries should be.
Tell a loyal friend about these decisions, hold yourself accountable and realize that these are the aspects that you decided would make your Spring Break ideal.
Consider questions like: Do I want to drink tonight? If so, how much? Do I want to have sex tonight? If so, do I have protection?
Tell someone you trust and try to remember that when someone brings these things up, they are acting in your best interest, according to your own boundaries.
Your friends want you to have fun, but they also care about you!
Deciding beforehand and making others aware of these boundaries will make it easier to make the choices that you will be happy with after the party is over.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings!
Always keep an eye on your drink.
If you go the bathroom, take your drink with you!
Date rape drugs can be put into any beverage, including non-alcoholic drinks.
Do not drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs.
It is also important to remember that while drugs being slipped into drinks is something you should be aware of and guard against, alcohol itself is the most common date rape drug.
Avoid binge drinking, which typically occurs after 4 drinks for women and 5 drinks for men in about a 2-hour period.
Remember you can feel the effects of alcohol in as little as 10 minutes so, go slow, and monitor how you feel before getting another drink.
Binge drinking can lead to irreversible consequences that may negatively impact the future you are working so hard for.
Watch the Weather!
Even when you think you know your limits, drinking in the sun can shift those quick.
Make sure you are eating enough and staying hydrated, regardless of how much you plan on drinking, but keep in mind that your body may process alcohol differently when in the sun.
Hot weather and alcohol don’t mix.
You feel the effects of drinking faster when the temperatures climb and the water’s warm.
Despite the media and TV’s portrayal of what an ideal spring break is, this “ideal” is different for everyone, and binge drinking is not safe for anyone.
So try to remember this article when you step out into whatever adventure this Spring Break holds for you.
For more tips on learning safer and more effective ways to make sure your Spring Break is one to remember, please join us at our “How to Party Like a Panther” event taking place on Wednesday, February 27th from 7:00- 8:30pm in Evans Hall, Room 202.
Enjoy your break, have fun, but most importantly, stay safe!
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