Fun Things To Do With Your Spring Break

As March comes to a close and spring break approaches, we find ourselves in the midst of exciting daydreams of seaside destinations, language and study abroad trips, and Netflix binges that the past few five-day weeks have prevented us from indulging in. However, this does not encompass all that spring break has to offer. If you don’t find yourself with a plane ticket in your hands or a new show on your mind come this Friday, fear not: we’ve got you covered.

For the Outdoorsy and Adventurous:

1. Take a Hike: Though you might be under the false impression that this is only an activity for those clad in biodegradable clothing or the extremely adventurous, it is something you may find surprisingly enjoyable. Grab a few friends, toss some granola bars and water bottles in a backpack, throw on a tank top so you can get some much-needed sun, and head over to the Billy Goat trail in Maryland.This trail is a perfect mix of slightly rocky paths to get you going, interspersed with larger formations to climb up on for breathtaking views– none of which are too intense for beginners. It’s a great way to get some sun, burn some calories, and give your heart a little healthy boost.
2. Go on a Day Trip: This does not always require renting an RV and heading off to the West Coast for a week; all you need is a friend or parent willing to drive and a destination close enough so that you don’t need a place for the night. St. Michael’s on the Eastern Shore of Maryland has the available activities of a bustling destination with the beauty and charm of a small town. Rent some bikes and enjoy miles of fresh air on the safe and relatively car-less scenic streets, or walk between the antique shops, bakeries, and fantastic crepe place that line the main street. If you want to explore the area even further, you can also visit one of the neighboring towns for fun museums, cobblestone streets, and bayside activities. Annapolis, MD is a closer alternative, only about a 30-minute drive. With a New-England feel, an abundance of seafood restaurants, and brick streets lined with shops in a variety of price ranges, you will not find yourself short of activities.

For The Productive:

1. Go To College:  This may be more relevant to the Juniors and Seniors, but whether you’re looking for a place to apply or deciding where to go from your accepted schools, it can be fun–and a much easier trip to convince your parents to take you on! Bringing a friend along also ensures a great time. Get pumped up for next year, or excited at the prospect of applying to the same school as one of your besties, and go explore a college. Many colleges and universities are in fun towns and interesting locations, with tons of activities offered on campus for prospective students, like spending time with current students and sampling courses. Get on top of your game and find out if a school is the right place for you.
2. Check Off Your Bucket List: We all have them– those time-consuming things we’ve always wanted to do but have never gotten around to. Whether you planned to write a best-selling novel, rearrange your room, or learn the basics of a language or instrument, spring break is your opportunity to make it all happen! Make yourself a schedule or start a  Pinterest board about it (https://www.pinterest.com it’s a surprisingly great way to plan!), or whatever you need to do make and accomplish a plan–then get going. As a wise Tumblr quote says, “you have just as many hours in a day as Beyonce,” so be proud of yourself, be motivated, and come back to school having crossed something off your bucket list.

For The Homebodies:

1. Get Fit: This might not be as much of a time killer, but spring break is the perfect chunk of time to get your body happy and healthy. If your prefer the air conditioned comfort (or if this weather continues, more likely heating) of your house, take the time each morning to make yourself healthy meals. Make a fresh green smoothie for breakfast, or get some protein with a veggie-stuffed omelette. Its okay to relax and take some time off– life is hard and busy– but while you catch up on TV, go through some workouts, a plethora of which can be found online. Get a little sunshine by going on a walk or run with a friend or family member, and drink tons of water. Overall, just commit to using the free time spring break offers to bring your body to its fullest potential– especially after all the stress, lack of sleep, and abundance of brownies that accompany school time. If you don’t know where to get started, here are a few great YouTube Channels to check out!
   • Blogilates https://www.youtube.com/user/blogilates : Cassie, your new personal pilates instructor, has a bubbly personality and healthy, body-positive messages. Her workouts range from beginner to intense, so you should be able to find something that works for you.
   • XHIT Daily https://www.youtube.com/user/XFitDaily : The great thing about XHIT is they have tons of variety. You’ll find pilates, aerobics, cardio, toning, and strengthening, with video lengths ranging from 5 minutes to upwards of 20 minutes. They have different instructors with different styles, and their videos keep a nice, manageable pace that will work for anyone just starting as well as those who exercise regularly.
   • BeFit: https://www.youtube.com/user/BeFit: BeFit has everything. Their only downside is perhaps that it can be a little overwhelming, but they feature tons of videos, including (insanely painful but amazingly effective) workouts from Ballet Beautiful, the trendy NYC-based company by whom many Victoria’s Secret models swear.
2. Get in the Kitchen: Just because women’s skills extend far beyond the kitchen doesn’t mean that we can’t have fun there. Go beyond the basic chocolate chip cookie and spend the afternoon cooking up a fun, interesting, and delicious recipe. I can’t promise that you’ll end up with a perfectly fluffy meringue or a delicately crisped creme brulee, but you’ll definitely get to eat the delicious ingredients as they go in, and hopefully the final result will at least be somewhat edible. Challenge yourself to make something intricate and complicated! Plus, if you’re really craving Netflix, you could probably get through a whole season in the time it takes you to make that unpronounceable Italian pastry you found on some blog on the third page of Google results. If you need some inspiration to get started, check out this website:
   • The Vanilla Bean http://thevanillabeanblog.com/: This website won best baking and desert in Saveur’s Best Food Blog Awards. It is well organized, easy to use, and filled with unique recipes that will keep you more engaged than a brownie mix. The blog is also well-written, with the author, Sarah’s, clear knowledge and expertise of the recipes she tackles not lost in her casual tone and occasional clever quip. Try out the Buttermilk Cake with Blood Orange Frosting or the Roasted Strawberry, Orange and Pink Peppercorn Popsicles. And a plus, The Vanilla Bean even includes healthier alternatives like Gluten-Free, so there are recipes available to everyone! 
3. DIY (Do It Yourself): The internet is filled with tons of fun projects and activities you can do from the comfort of your bedroom. You don’t have to be “artsy” to get creative. School takes its toll on the academic side of your brain, so recharge by using the creative side! It’s healthy to engage the parts of yourself you might not get to use as often. There are so many interesting things to do, like making a friend a beautiful, hand-made collage, find clever ways to get organized, or simply try your hand at something new. A great place to get started with DIY’s is to go to a local thrift store or see if your mom or dad has old stuff they don’t want anymore. Try revamping an old dresser with this technique: http://www.amazinginteriordesign.com/old-dresser-got-stunning-lace-makeover/. If you make something that turns out well but you don’t have a place for it, you could always try selling it on a website like Etsy.com, or hold a “Hand-Made Yard Sale” in your neighborhood and make some money for all your efforts!