For months we have endured the cold, unforgiving weather that winter has thrown our way. Now, the warm weather season is finally here…
Spring!
With the new season approaching, it is also appropriate to incorporate new routines into our lifestyles, or a “spring cleaning” if you will. Here are five new things you can do to welcome the brighter days ahead:
1. Establish a new wardrobe.
Say good-bye to layers! With warmer weather comes more opportunities to dress nicely. So, why not welcome this glorious new phase of the year with a few additions to your wardrobe? The beginning of the spring season is also a great excuse to clean out your closet – put away sweaters and heavier things you would wear in the winter, or even give away a few things that remain unworn in the back of your closet.
2. Clean your workspace.
Does your room or workspace need cleaning? Chances are, it might be in tough shape from long nights of studying and essay writing. So, it’s probably a good idea to start over! Try to organize things around your room. Put clothes away (I know I’m guilty of leaving clothes everywhere), stack those books back onto the shelf or clean some of the contents from the inside of your desk drawers. I know these tasks may seem overwhelming just reading them. But, a perfect solution to help make cleaning more fun is to add music, preferably something that’s upbeat and makes you want to move. You’d be surprised how much more you get done, trust me!
3. Spend time outdoors.
Another great thing about spring is that we get to watch life unfold before our eyes. Trees regain their leaves, and flowers begin to bloom. Go outside and explore! Being outside is not only a great way to get some fresh air, but it is also a GREAT mood booster. Studies show that being outside is great for our health – mentally and physically! So the next time you’re fortunate enough to experience a bright sunny day, seize the opportunity to walk around campus, or even ride your bike through the city.
4. Push through academically.
Midterm season has come and gone. Take time to ask yourself: how am I doing in my classes? With a new season comes a new frame of mind. Study harder in those classes where you feel that you need help, or maybe join a study group. Congratulate yourself for doing better than you thought you would in a class. Use this time to focus on you and your academic journey. Every now and then, it doesn’t hurt to assess our journey in college – where we came from and how far we plan to go – and in the midst think to ourselves, am I performing the best I can? If the answer is yes, then congrats! Keep reaching for the stars. If you’re not so sure, then maybe this could be the prime time to sit back and evaluate what’s working for you and what’s not – from there, you can build a study plan that best meets your needs.
5. Examine your relationships.
Last but not least, it is also a good idea to examine your relationships with others. Whether romantic or platonic, think of all of the people involved in your life. Next, think about if they help or hinder your growth. Hopefully, they don’t do the latter. But, if they do, then it might be a good idea to have a conversation with that person (or yourself) about how they ended up in your life, and weigh the positive and negative factors of their presence. Try to resolve any conflict that may have transpired between parties if things ended on a bad note. With the new change of season, we should all turn over a new leaf and put our best foot forward. Why not share that experience with people who are truly meant to be in our lives?
Of course, these are not the only things that can be done in preparation for a new season. However, they’re all a great start. As students, it is important that we always strive to be our best selves – both in academic settings and in our own personal lives and endeavors. Always set goals for yourself, because that is how we improve and learn more about ourselves. So go shopping, go for a run outside, analyze your studying routine or have that much needed conversation with a friend. Whatever needs to be done, consider changing it up in anticipation for the new season! Cheers to warmth and new beginnings!