Tips on Spicing Up Your Month

As most of us are aware, the stretch of time between February and spring break is incredibly bleak, with important tests on the horizon and the end of school seeming almost completely out of sight. It is imperative during these times to take care of your mind and body to avoid feeling overwhelmed by daily pressures. Keep in mind that, while everything may seem challenging, and the weather feels incessantly cold and damp, spring is around the corner, and the weather is already beginning to change for the better. Here are some tips to make this period of time a more enjoyable experience.

1. Spend time outdoors 

Stay outside as much as you can. This doesn’t mean that you must abandon all your activities to get some fresh air but rather take your activities outside. We live in Los Angeles! It’s never too cold to linger outside for some time. Instead of doing homework in your room all day, take your work to the park. We spend enough time inside the school building, we don’t need even less sun exposure. Additionally, instead of staying on your phone when working feels impossible, go on a walk or on a run outside. These have innumerable benefits to the human body. Not only do they improve your mood by releasing endorphins, but they also keep you in better shape and can easily expose you to a great source of Vitamin D. 

2. Engage in a form of art

Find an art form that you enjoy. This could be literature, poetry, painting, music, and cinema. Challenge those emotions that they evoke in your life. Let yourself see everything through that critical eye. It is incredibly important to perceive life through that artistic lens so as to not lose sight of all that the world has to offer. With a lot of work on our plate, it is easy to neglect the things that often bring us joy, so don’t forget to take some time to stimulate your mind with the beauty of art. 

Photo of a museum provided by author.

3. Treat yourself

Find one day this month to not do anything important. Don’t do any homework if you can help it, don’t stress about practicing an instrument or a sport– just relax. Watch your favorite TV show, take a bath, or play your favorite video game. Do everything you can to feel entirely relaxed. I promise that taking a one-day break will not impede your scholastic progress. 

4. Spend time with your loved ones

With all the work we have everything can get incredibly lonely, so don’t forget to spend time with the people you love. Organize a hangout with your friends. Have a poker night, paint together, have dinner, or a sleepover. There are countless activities for you to do with friends that will help you feel a sense of solidarity. If you have a dog, take them on a walk or to the park. Spend time with any other pet you may have. Animals see life through a completely different lens, and it is so special to see them engaged with the surroundings. Finally, spend time with your family. Go to the cinema together, go out for dinner, play board games.

Photo provided by author.

5. Have a routine

Have a simple activity that becomes a weekly or daily routine. This could be getting coffee and going to the library with your friends every weekend to study or doing a workout class on specific days of the week. This will improve your productivity and subsequently enhance your grades and mental health. Having a routine is incredibly important for managing stress and planning for the future, especially if you perform those routines with loved ones. 

I hope that these tips are helpful and don’t forget that better days are just around the corner. In the meantime, the most important thing is to give your best even if success doesn’t come swiftly.