It's Spring Break! FINALLY. School's on a hiatus and we get time to actually catch our breath. Most people head south to Padre, PCB, or another overly stereotyped beach local, but for some of us that's not the case.
Whether it be for financial reasons or other reasons, many people, if not the majority, don't "do" anything or "go" anywhere special for spring break. Sometimes it's good to chill or to travel back to our "home-home" to spend time with our friends, families, and pets.
Whatever your reasons are, here's 7 alternative things to do over spring break:
1. Get outside!
So maybe this isn't an "alternative," but just because you're not on the beach doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy the outdoors! So many of us get cooped up inside during the semester working on projects and studying for tests that we don't always get to go "play outside". So grab a buddy, childhood friend, sibling, dog, etc...and toss a frisbee! Go on a hike. Or maybe (since gas is so much more affordable now) go on a drive and roll the windows down.
2. Read for fun.
No really, this is a thing. Contrary to popular belief, people actually read. For pleasure. Not for a grade. Not for a test. But simply to dive in to a story that is literally out of this world. So, take yourself down to Barnes and Noble or buy a Kindle and find yourself a good novel. Long, short, cheap, expensive...who cares? Try something other than that Biomedical Science book for a change.
3. Start a new hobby.
You know those really cool ideas you have in the middle of studying for a test that make you want to drop everything and research the mess out of it? Now is the perfect time to do so! Maybe you want to learn how to knit. Go to Walmart and pull up some YouTube videos and spend some time learning the basics. Why not? Maybe you want to start learning French. Download Duolingo and get started!
4. Rekindle an old hobby.
We all have that one thing we used to love to do that we just don't seem to have time for now. Personally, I love to compose music. I haven't been able to do so for a while but now I've got some time.That guitar sitting in your room that you played all the time growing up has missed you. Dust that sucker off and rekindle that lost passion. Or grab your tennis racquets and head to the park to hit around for a while. Whatever your passion used to be, it's time follow it and find its place in your heart.
5. Clean and reorganize.
This may sound like the exact opposite of a fun spring break; however, you know your house/apartment/dorm room is a mess. It's been weeks since you swept and months since you've wiped down the mirror. Though it may not be as fun as a beach side soiree, you'll thank yourself when school starts back up again and everything is clean, organized, and together. I have noticed in my own life that the state of my room is directly correlated to my current trent of emotions. Needless to say, my living space and I are both complete messes.
6. Take a day trip.
There are hidden treasures all around us. Do some research about historical or exceptionally beautiful locations within a 60 mile radius. Get up early, grab your Starbucks (because you KNOW Starbucks is never on a break) and hit the road. You never know what adventure awaits you "just around the river bend" (that pun was for all you Disney fans out there. You're welcome).
7. Start planning for your future.
I know, I know. It's slightly (incredibly) terrifying to think about the impending realm of adulthood but alas; like winter, it's coming (a little Game of Thrones reference for those GOT fans out there). This week, you've got more down time than you have had in a couple months. Sit down at your computer and start brainstorming what you want to do after you graduate. If you're studying hospitality and eventually want to work at a five star hotel, check the current five star hotels job openings and see what's required to apply. Maybe you need two years of hotel experience (minimum) to apply. If that's the case, you now know what kind of job to be looking for while you're still in school. Research and other related activities are setting you up for greater success after graduation.
A break doesn't always have to mean travel.
Sometimes it's perfectly alright to stay put, get some stuff done, catch up, or explore your local surroundings. So, wherever you are this Spring Break, have fun, be safe, and make exceptionally awesome choices!
Cheers,
ZER
