Spring break is the perfect time to get away and reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve done so far in the semester. If you’re as low on funds as I am or feel like you haven’t worked hard enough to deserve a vacation, do not fear! There are still plenty of activities that ensure a good time under our beloved and polluted New York sky. My favorite thing to do while not in school is think about how miserable I feel in school sometimes, and compare it to how much fun I’m having while wrapping myself into a burrito with blankets. It helps me appreciate the warmness of my bed and empty to-do list just a little bit more.
Though this next suggestion does not correlate to good old fun, it will definitely make your life easier in the long run. It’s midterm season and now is the best time to catch up on all your coursework. Whether it’s doing homework or just reviewing some lessons that aren’t entirely clear to you, spring break is a great opportunity to make sure that you thoroughly understand the material you’ve learned so far. I would much rather come to class after spring break with a crystal-clear understanding of all my classes than being tanned and confused. If you’re all caught up, get ahead. If you don’t understand something while trying to get ahead, don’t stress it. Try not to email your professors unless entirely necessary because it’s important that they get a break, too. Meeting with your advisor to discuss important upcoming decisions can also minimize stress enough to have a burden-free break.
One of my favorite things to do indoors is revamp old clothes in my wardrobe. Painting, distressing, embroidering, and adding safety pins are very simple methods to giving your old clothes a new edge. A friendly date idea could be planning a trip to the thrift store. Afterwards, you and all your friends can customize your finds together. This is possible even if you don’t have money to thrift with the help of consignment stores. Places like The Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading Company, and Beacon’s Closet will take your old clothes (in good condition), and give you a percentage of what they deem its worth in cash or store credit. The Dressing Room even features a full bar! Another fun thing to do is style and plan outfits for the upcoming weeks. Mixing and matching different garments in your wardrobe and recording those with a picture can save you countless hours of anxiety and wardrobe malfunctions.
If you’re not feeling materialistic, take some time to work on your mental and spiritual health. With midterm exams, deadlines, due-dates, and homework, we sometimes disconnect with ourselves without even noticing. Before you know it, you’re rotting under a pile of work and neglecting all the things that make you who you are. There are tons of yoga and meditation guides on YouTube that have helped me get back in touch with my inner being. I usually search a lot of different things depending on my mood or aspects of my life that need improvement, for example:
- Yoga for flexibility, strength, weight loss, lower back pain, or anxiety.
- Meditation guide for positive energy, sleep, anxiety, focus, and 3rd eye awakening.
I would suggest that everyone really take this time off to clear your mind, cater to your personal needs, finish pending projects or assignments, and prepare yourself for the work that is to come. Enjoy!
