Even though spring break is coming to an end, that does not mean that our “vacation mode” mindset has to end. Let’s start to enjoy life as it is, because it truly is a gift. Here are five things that I try to do in order to switch up the routine of my days. Life can get hard to look forward to if you are performing the same routine over again. Spring is the season for new beginnings and fresh starts! Try some of these small switches this season to see how your routine can change for the better. Spend time with your friends that brighten up your days, and even make your Monday’s seem less tough. Read that book you have been putting off because you convinced yourself, “I do not have the time.” Work on your time management so you can do the things you have to do as well as the things that you want to do. Study in a new environment that adds more color in your studying space. Spring is the time for cleaning your closest, so maybe rearrange your living space to set a better mood.
1. Spend Time With Your Friends More
As humans, it is important that we hang around people who have the power to brighten our day. If you are going crazy from staying locked up in your dorm or the library studying for your midterms, put the book down. Just for 20 minutes and hang around your friends to assure them that you appreciate them. Life is too short, and before you know it, college will be over. Your experience is what you make of it. Don’t you want to look back on all the fun times you shared with your friends instead of all the times you locked yourself away? I promise, even if it’s for a short amount of time, your time will be well spent. It’s always nice to escape from the world of studying and spend time with those who love you. You even may need that reassurance that people are still there for you. Try it this season.
Photo Courtesy of Pinterest
2. Read a New Book
Reading has always been one of my favourite down times when I am alone. This season, try reading a book that you have been putting off. Sit in the sun, soak up the spring air. Break free! Entering the world of a book is new and exciting every time. It’s a feeling that I wish every person on earth will get to experience. It’s a huge accomplishment to finish a book that you have been waiting to read. There is nothing like turning to the last page and reading for the ending you have been waiting for. Reading a book gives you something to look forward to. If hanging around lots of people is not your thing, look forward to reading a book after you finish studying for your classes. Photo courtesy of Pinterest
3. Work on Time Management
My mom always used to tell me, “Do what you have to do in order to do what you want to do.” When I was younger, I just thought it was a dumb statement that she would tell me when I cried while doing my homework when I really wanted to ride my bike with all of the neighbourhood kids. Now that I am older, I truly see the worth in getting your work done so I can enjoy my time with my friends. Homework gives us so much stress as college students. It’s to the point where sometimes we would pick locking ourselves in our room rather than hanging out with our loved ones because we did not practice the proper time management. Even your studying throughout the week so you don’t crame the night before (we are all guilty of this). When your professor says you have a midterm, paper, etc. due on a specific date. Start planning when you will make time to study for the midterm or write the paper. Spread the workload throughout the week so you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy. Reading a book, going to the beach, or hanging with friends.
4. Change Up Your Study Environment
We have gotten so used to the harsh unforgiving weather of the winter. It’s to the point when we forgot how beautiful the California sun is. How great the sun is to our skin. This season, change up your studying environment. Instead of going to the library on campus to study, try a new environment that can switch your perspective. If your campus is close to a beach I recommend doing your homework on a beach towel with a view of the ocean. Try a new coffee shop that’s less crowded than Starbucks. Trying a new setting to study switches your perspective. If you are locked up in your room sometimes it can feel like you are stuck. There’s no room to breath or escape. Surrounding yourself by a beautiful environment inspires you to get your work done in a positive manner.
Photo Courtesy of Pinterest
5. Rearrange Your Living Space
Changing up your living space gives you something to look forward to when you enter your dorm. Adding a little bit of color to your environment adds life to your space. Rearranging your living space does not mean having to buy a new couch or a new chair, it means buying cheap things from the Target dollar section. I am guilty of spending my money on small nick-nacks on things in the dollar section at Target whenever I make a trip. Since you are only spending up to five dollars, this remedy is available to all. Buy a fake flower, or small lights to brighten up your spring.
Try some of these tricks as the semester comes to an end! Just because we’re back at school doesn’t mean we have to go back to our same old routine.