Spring has sprung! I’m not sure about the rest of you, but when I look out my window I see a little less snow, a little more green, and a little more sunshine. And if you are anything like me, you may find yourself wanting to venture outside more and take advantage of the nicer climate. Unfortunately, with COVID restrictions being so high this winter and the cold and wind keeping people generally indoors, you may have forgotten where to start. Luckily you have me to give you a few ideas to get started. Here’s how to best take advantage of spring and start putting yourself out there more!
- Go for a hike
Now is the time to explore campus and the surrounding areas. There are plenty of great places to hike in Flagstaff, some of the most popular being Buffalo park and the urban trail system, which runs through town and NAU campus. Bring some friends and try to see who can spot or document the most spring blossoms. This is also a good opportunity to take some updated pictures of yourself in nature if you are so inclined.
- Plan a picnic
Got a friend or group of friends that you haven’t seen in a while? Plan a picnic with a fun basket, a blanket, and everything (or you can just have everyone bring a dish). Either way, it will be a fun way to get outside and spend time with friends that you may not have seen during the snowy season.
- Switch up your study location
That’s right- it’s quad time! Instead of holing up in a stuffy study room, get a blanket, your favorite snack, and your laptop and get to work. The sight of nature and the breeze will help you focus more than a plain wall, and you can bring a football or frisbee to toss around in case you feel like taking a break and getting some exercise. Your final exams won’t know what hit em!
- Sit outside at a nice restaurant
Now is the perfect time to take advantage of nicer seating options when you go out for lunch or dinner with a friend. Bring a hat and sit outside to enjoy the spring breeze and sunshine. Or bring your homework if you want to switch up your study location again.
- Go on a bike ride
This is a great way to get some exercise without feeling like you have to “work out.” Grab your bike, some tunes, and try to see how much of campus you can explore in just half an hour or less. Maybe even stop to lie in the grass and watch the clouds. Just make sure your bike is in good condition before you go- safety first!
- Plant a spring garden (or even just one plant)
If you need a little more greenery in your life, this is the way to do it. You can create a garden outside or even one on your windowsill if you are able. Basil, lavender, and rosemary are good starter plants if you don’t have experience gardening. Even just one plant can help liven up a room and remind you that warmer days are to come.
There you have it– six ideas to get you started with spring. Hopefully these have helped you start to plan some more diverse activities and maybe have sparked other ideas on how to take advantage of the season. Whatever you do, just remember to enjoy it and enjoy the extra sunshine!
Source:
“53 Fun Things to Do This Summer.” Real Simple, 23 February 2022,
https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/entertainment/spring-activities. Accessed 25 March 2022.