It can feel as though life is on replay. Every day is a constant repeat of the day before. College classes and club meetings are scheduled from the first day until the end of the semester, making each day a consistent cycle of wake up, go to class and events, find time to eat and study, and go to bed. This phase of “same sh*t, different day” doesn’t hit me often, but when it does, I want out. Because of this repetitive sequence, I’ve challenged myself to do something out of the ordinary each day. Here are my helpful hints.
Pre-adventure:
Realize where you are right now and where you’re headed. If you’re in college, it’s an easy vision to know you’re headed toward graduation and your dream job. Take in who your friends are, your indoor and outdoor settings, and the time you’ve been given to wander.
1. Don’t let the weather ruin your outdoor plans.
Sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy. All are opportunities for you to do something about it! Run on a trail or bike in the city in the sunshine. If it’s cloudy, this is perfect weather to cuddle up in a blanket and snuggle in a hammock. You won’t have to worry about the sun disturbing your nap. Put on your Hunter rain boots (that you never wear) and splash in some puddles for a silly photo-op. Snow is oddly magical. Its look and feel are almost indescribable. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or take artsy pics of a snowflake on your nose before it melts.
2. Get a job.
*Me whenever someone comes to the desk to contribute to my procrastination* I know, this sounds like bad advice. But hear me out! I currently work as a Desk Assistant in a residential building. Sure, my workload is the same every time; but the people I see and the strangers I get to talk to always varies. Even if you’re not a people person, you have to admit that life gets exciting with people around. Go out of your comfort zone to ask a question and get to know that stranger who’s just asking to use the stapler.
3. Join campus clubs or community organizations.
Let me just list a few of the endless benefits: make friends, looks good on a resume, fun environment, something to look forward to, gets you outside of your comfort zone, can improve social well-being and academics. So basically join Her Campus. No matter the club you join, those people share similar interests and it’s a great place to form quality relationships. Every meeting differs slightly with the weekly updates from each member and everyone eagerly listening.
4. Pick a quote to live by.
As I have become stronger in my faith, I’ve started reading my Bible every night. I usually only read one or two chapters, but one verse always speaks to me more than the others. Recently, I’ve been writing this verse down and putting the paper on my desk before bed. When I wake up, I decide that I will try to live by that verse for that day or even week. For example: “The lips of the wise spread knowledge” – Proverbs 15:7. Just last week, I was being extra intentional with the things I said. Start reading a devotional every morning or find a quote you’d like to live by for the day. This helps to give a different perspective on the typical day.
5. Meet someone new.
Have you ever heard the saying “You are who you surround yourself with”? If you’re finding a lack of excitement in life, I recommend making new friends. College is the perfect place to meet new people because you’ll see dozens of new people every day. Strike up a convo to the person behind you in the caf line. Meeting someone new can bring new adventures and new traditions that you don’t practice with anyone else. This person might bring such a different perspective of life than you’ve ever witnessed. This person might be just what you need.
As always, I hoped you gained some valuable information after reading this! Take risks, go outside of your comfort zone, and live. After all, who’s to say tomorrow won’t be the best day of your life?