"Spring break" is the most exciting phrase to today's stressed college student. Many students make plans to rent condos on the shores of Destin or Orange Beach, while others hit up their local bars to let off midterms steam. I look forward to spring break as much as any other 20-something, but I treat the break a little differently. I use it as a week to rejuvenate, catch up on my love for my hobbies and to do things for myself. For me, it is a week of relaxation, meditation and positivity. Springtime brings in warm weather as the predecessor to summer, my favorite season. Spring break is the end of miserably cold months and the beginning of endless sunny days.
Spring break is my favorite school break, but instead of playing beer pong and playing in the sand, consider doing these other really fulfilling springtime activities:
1. Plant a garden.
Add some color to your backyard with fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. There is nothing better than eating a fresh satsuma off the tree! In the summer our fig tree produces hundreds of figs which we use to make preserves. This season I also plan on planting sunflowers for the first time.
2. Catch up on your favorite TV show.
Some television shows on my personal list include "Parks and Recreation," "Futurama" and "Parenthood." I am almost finished watching all three of them. Once completed I will catch up on "Game of Thrones." I also plan on starting "Gilmore Girls" soon.
3. Make Pinterest recipes.
I think I have around 600 recipes pinned on my food board. So far I have made around 20 of them. I am wanting to make a dessert with dates soon. Homemade pineapple angel food cake? Yes! On my spring break cooking list in particular is "cracked out" chicken bubble up. It's super easy to make and fairly inexpensive.
4. Do some arts and crafts.
Try refurbishing furniture for your apartment. Go exploring Hobby Lobby. I have a really good friend who enjoys making holiday wreaths. Together, we are making a lavender and silver one for my sick grandma in the hospital. I also enjoy tie-dying shirts and using fabric paints. Spend time with your hobbies.
5. Get a manicure and pedicure.
As we transition from the winter months into spring, I am switching out the clothes in my closet. In addition to changing out my wardrobe, I need to change out my nail polishes. I had a dark purple gel polish on my nails recently, but I think I will switch to cream or off-white very soon.
6. Go shopping - treat yourself.
Personally, I will probably splurge on Steam. I might also buy a new pair of shoes. I also want to buy an electric can opener. Treating yourself to practical adult items also counts.
7. Lay out by the pool with a good book.
This is an activity that kills two birds with one stone. You can get your pre-summer tan and catch up on your reading. Even though I am an English major, I am more excited about the tanning than the books. I am as pale as a ghost.
8. Get some spring cleaning done.
De-clutter your life. I feel my best when my life is organized.
9. Catch up on much-needed sleep.
This is an given. We could all use some sleep, especially after midterms. I have been averaging five hours of sleep a night. A healthy night's sleep requires eight. Do lots of things, but make sure one of those things is sleeping.
10. Enjoy the sunshine at a park.
The temperature outside is reasonable, and the sun is coming out again. With daylight saving, the days are getting longer, and sunset is later in the day. Go outside and enjoy the weather.
11. Spend time with family members.
This is the most important thing to do. Spend time with your family, because they probably miss you.
