Now, of course, I had high hopes for Spring Break 2020. Travel throughout Europe being number one on my list for things to do. Due to recent, pandemic-related events, my plans have shifted gears to well, nothing. Although from an outsider perspective having three weeks home from school seems like every college student’s dream, however, there are many reasons I chose to go to a college that’s seven hours away from home. So, for the sake of my sanity, here are the five things I’ll be doing to compensate for the unpredictable next weeks to come.
1. NETFLIX
Whether it be an hour break between classes or a practically month-long break at home, Netflix (or any streaming service) is somehow incorporated into my routine. In school, I typically stray toward things I’ve seen before. Whether it be a rom-com I can practically recite or a random episode of The Office or Vampire Diaries (my go-tos this semester), it is easier to watch something I’ve already seen because I’m usually too tired to fully engage with something new. However, because the break has expanded from one week to three, I am thinking it’s time to try something new, perhaps binge an entire show!
2. POOL
Unlike my time spent dorming on campus, I have a pool at home. And although throwing pool parties seems like the teenage dream, I’d much rather lay out by myself with some music and fruit and just escape for about an hour or two. Ideally, with a chill Harry Styles playlist with the occasional Elton John or Fleetwood Mac, an aggressive bowl of strawberries and blackberries and a strong SPF tanning oil (preferably the one that smells like coconuts). My neighborhood tends to be fairly quiet (no ragers in suburbia), so I hope to use this time getting some vitamin D and a nice tan all while turning off my overworked brain and just relaxing.
3. GYM
Although “break” may seem like the time to relax, the gym is still a crucial part of my mental sanity. I am no gym junkie, but an hour of cardio a few times a day is the perfect escape for me and it also just makes me feel really good. With so much free time on my hands, going daily is ideal but I know life often has a funny way of being unpredictable, so I won’t set too high of goals. However, the days I do go, I plan on blasting Dua Lipa and Lizzo through my headphones and quite literally running away from my problems.
4. HOME COOKED MEALS
I think this next one is what I am most excited about. If I could describe my cooking/eating habits in college in any way, it’d be quick and inexpensive. I do have access to healthy grocery options but not the time to make them into a really good meal. Or, I eat out at the expense of my health. It is really not the best balance but being home means having access to a world of nutritious food and the time to put work into my favorite meals (or have my mom cook them for me). Obviously, we need food to survive so with this time I plan on making meals that make me feel good.
5. HOMEWORK
Now, if you’re a college student reading this, you know this one had to be included. In the midst of this outbreak, we still have to compensate for our academics. Of course, the school has already come up with a plan to continue classes through video chat. As exciting as it might seem to do all classes from your childhood bedroom when you pick the right classes, there is nothing online that can match an enlightening in-person discussion. Prioritizing health is my top concern at the moment so I am trying to take an optimistic approach, however, I will miss my lectures and discussions and campus life.
Despite the online schooling that I am sure everyone (staff included) is trying to figure out, I will really miss this last month of Spring 2020. It is easy to complain about college when you’re going through it but comparatively speaking, these have been some of the best times. Hopefully, this list of things to do will keep me (and you) occupied and sane during this time. And if all else fails, I will invest all my time into making Tik Toks because this pandemic will not define my 2020.
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