By Stephanie Kim, Opinions Editor
With midterms wrapping up and flowers popping up, it’s evident that Spring Break is around the corner. We can see the signs in wardrobes and leaves, as well as feel the excitement blowing through the air. It might not be as social as usual, but Spring Break is still the rest we have all been yearning for. We may have to obey restrictions and withdraw from doing certain activities this year, but it’s easy to make the most out of the break with such a hectic school year. There are small activities to be done and places to be seen, while still keeping yourself and loved ones safe by obeying COVID restrictions.
When it comes to what to do at home during Spring Break, I thought back to what I used to do as a child. I would always spend a lot of time outdoors. Because of social distancing requirements, this is a great activity for Spring Break. Going outside not only relieves stress, which is something many of us are seeking to do, but it boosts your mood, too. Now that the weather is getting warmer it will be even easier to find activities to do outside. From playing sports, to taking walks and hikes, to even cloud watching for awhile--there’s a lot of fun to be had outside. If you have a child, the possibilities are endless for what kind of outdoor activities can be done. Take your young one outside to write with chalk along the sidewalks, look for four-leaf clovers, or teach them about nature as you walk amongst it.
Whether you have children or not, another outdoor activity is to go to the park. Going to the park allows you to obey COVID restrictions, while still being able to get out of your house (and yard). There are many parks open to the public right now that regularly clean their equipment. Many parks also have trails that you can walk down to further decrease your chances of exposure. I have been told by friends, family, and acquaintances that going to the park has become a regular part of their weekly routine. My own mom, a woman in her early 40’s, told me about how difficult it was not going to the park at the start of the pandemic, she was fearful of exposure and unsure of whether it was safe to go or not. She says, “Not being able to go walking at parks didn’t help physically or mentally, that’s my go-to for stress relief and exercise”.
I’m not oblivious to our area, the weather doesn’t always allow us to go outside when we want. If Spring Break comes and it isn’t possible to go outdoors to enjoy, then there must be fun to find indoors. Again, I thought back to what I once did when seeking enjoyment and thought of the basics: read a book, draw, do a puzzle, or just relax and unwind. Though these are activities to do during Spring Break, you might consider taking some time to reflect. It’s been a very stressful year with so much going on and our minds need a break from it. During Spring Break, it could be helpful to write down your thoughts on the past year, reflect on what you’ve learned during it, write your struggles, or even jot down some goals for the next year if the pandemic does not subside. This could also help alleviate some stress and decrease anxieties that have been rising.
No matter if you spend your time spring cleaning and playing video games, or working out and planning your goals, make this spring break a time for you. This year looks different in many ways and that won’t be changing for spring break. Embracing the changes and figuring out a way to make them favorable is what we should aim to do. This will be a great time to relax and get your mind off of school, but can also be the perfect time to get the mind back on track. Take an hour or so to go to the park, spend a few minutes drawing, and play a game you haven’t played in a while. Though many of us will be working through it, Spring Break can still be the relief we’ve all been waiting on to bloom.
