When it comes to spring break, many people take the week-long break to go abroad and explore the world, but it doesn’t have to mean a warm, beachy getaway. Instead, it can be a time to decompress from the bustling life of a Penn State student and take a week for yourself. Even if your home isn’t particularly beachy or even warm, VALLEY has you covered when it comes to finding ways to enjoy your staycation.
1. Get lunch in a new town
This spring break, VALLEY challenges you to explore a new restaurant location in your area and see what it offers. Sometimes branching out from your go-to comfort food at your favorite restaurant can be hard, but try leaving your house hungry so that you can hopefully stumble upon a restaurant that you haven’t been to. For a genuine surprise, try not to search it up on Yelp beforehand. You never know if it might become your favorite lunch spot!
2. See a movie and don’t look at the previews
Just like trying out a new restaurant, it can feel unnatural to not look up any previews or reviews before seeing a movie in theaters; however, seeing a movie without any context can be exciting or could lead you to find a new genre or actor/actress that you haven’t watched before. So, catch a movie at your favorite cinema and share the fun with a significant other, friend or relative.
3. Go to an animal shelter
During the winter, animal shelters are at their busiest. In the colder regions, many people scramble to get homeless animals tucked into shelters for warmth and hope to find them a safe home. Even though you might not be able to take the furry cuties home, you can sure make their day. Playing and being around these animals makes them happier and makes you happier, too! Go out and explore your local shelter!
4. Take a day trip to a neighboring state
If you live in America, it’s relatively easy to cross your state border and explore another state. For instance, if you live in New York, try to head down to New Jersey or Massachusetts for a day. You don’t even need to stay overnight: go for a day trip and return back home after you’re done exploring. It’s as close as you can get to a real vacation without all the planning and extra spending.
5. Spend the day looking back on old times
As painful as it is to bring back the awkward middle school days, it can actually be enjoyable to see your old memories. Dig up old photos, videos or memorabilia and see what kind of memories you can stumble upon. Browse through old memories by yourself or with a friend, parent or a sibling and see how much you have grown since your baby days.
6. Take a non-sick sick day
Tis’ the season for flu and colds — hopefully your spring break isn’t spent dealing with a high fever and a runny nose. But if it is, take your time to get better and rest. However, if you aren’t sick and looking for something to do over the break, how about not doing anything?! Do what you’d do if you were ill, such as staying in bed past noon, eating tons of ice cream, and snuggling in bed with your pet and a good movie. Spring break is not only perfect for a relaxing vacation, but also a great time for quality self-care. Take time for yourself this spring break by doing absolutely nothing.
7. Reach out to an old or distant friend
College often separates people from their old friends from high school, and it’s nearly impossible to keep up with every relationship you make before college. While you’re back for a week, try to reconnect with those you miss the most by catching up over coffee or going for a run/workout together. If you haven’t seen each other in awhile, there’ll be plenty of things to catch up each other up on.
8. Spend some money on yourself
If you have any money to spend, go ahead and spoil yourself for the day. Treat yourself by getting your nails or hair done, buying cute clothes for the warmer weather or picking up something you’ve been eyeing. Money can be scarce for students, and it’s always important to remember that money doesn’t buy happiness. While that is true, it can be good for your mental health to spoil yourself every so often, and this week is the perfect time to do so.
9. Dig through your closet and sell some stuff online
If you’re looking to treat yourself this spring break by buying some new clothes, try clearing out your old clothes by donating them. However if you’re looking to make some dough off your old clothes, selling them online is an easy and efficient way to clean out your closet. Try using apps like Poshmark or Depop for a super simple way to make some money off of clothes you no longer wear.
10. Slow down and relax
Spring break doesn’t have to be palm trees and sandy beaches; instead, it can mean just a week of pure relaxation and a way to reconnect with your life before all the constant stress and worry that comes along with college comes back to you. Take a moment to soak in your surroundings and enjoy the short time off you have from school. Put down your electronics and try to be as present as possible when spending time with your friends and family.
Tag us on Instagram at @VALLEYmag with your vacation or staycation pics
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