By Ashley Fries

Spring break is a week for college students to do basically whatever we want when we want to without having to worry about classes or studying. It’s almost impossible to believe spring break is almost here. With the messed-up class scheduling due to weather, the cold and the snow, spring break may have snuck up on you. Maybe you forgot to make extravagant plans or are living on a tight budget. For whatever reason, if you are stuck at home or in town, there are still plenty of ways to spend your spring break. These suggestions are in no particular order.

1.) Work. If you don’t care about relaxing over break and have a job, work so you can save money and do something amazing over summer break!

2.) Do not go broke. Whether you have some money to spend or not, don’t go broke. Spend any and all money wisely. Remember, you still have the second half of the semester to go!

3.) Focus on your little hobbies or learn one. While spending time at home or on campus, focus on your favorite activities that you don’t have time for during the school year. Be productive or lazy without feeling guilty about it. This is the perfect time to read for pleasure, catch up on movies and T.V. shows, play sports, or take pictures. Whatever it is you lose touch with during school, do it! Don’t have a hobby? Make one. Use your newfound free time to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Buy a cookbook (or look online) and learn to cook, try learning a new instrument or learning to rock climb. Find something that interests you and go for it!

4.) Relieve all that stress. Dedicate some of your break time to just taking care of yourself, even pampering yourself, whether it’s a do-it-yourself spa day or binge playing video games. If you want to be active while de-stressing, try going for a jog or a run, which is proven to release endorphins and reduce stress.

5.) Redo your bedroom. Take down out of date posters and put up new ones. Get rid of any outdate décor and invest (if you have the money) in upgrading it. If you’re low on cash, do a spring cleaning and clean out all the crevices of your room. Maybe even move around the furniture.

6.) Go somewhere new. Whether it’s a place on Main Street you’ve never been or somewhere around your house. You can even take friends and make it a night of fun together. There’s always something new to try: go explore!

7.) Movie and/or game night. Focus. Get some friends together and go see that new movie. Or, invite friends and/or family over and make your own movie night at home. This is usually much cheaper, and you can add in games for more fun. You can also just do a game night without the hassle of agreeing on a movie.

8.) Do something (weather permitting) outside. If it becomes nice out, go for a walk, run or bike ride. If it stays cold and snowy, go sledding, build a snow fort or snow man. It may not be the most spring break-like, but think back to when you were a child and could turn anything into a good time, use your imagination, and have fun!

9.) Donate/sale clothes to Attic, Goodwill or Plato’s Closet. Now is a good time to get rid of the clothes you never wear, possibly make a little money, and help others in need.

10.) While there, buy new clothes. Since you are there, you can always look for new clothes to fill the now empty space in your closet.

11.) Sleep. Actually sleep in, take naps and enjoy the much needed rest. When was the last time you slept multiple times in one day? In fact, when was the last time you actually got enough sleep? Now is your chance.

12.) Become the next Internet sensation. Nothing beats boredom like being creative and having fun. Get some friends, family or even pets (you know the world loves animal videos) and get them involved. You never know, you could become rich and be able to pay off those student loans.

13.) Go to something. In every area there is almost always some kind of fair, festival, free or cheap concert or shows. Go to them and enjoy the entertainment. You can even make it a group outing.

14.) Finish that. If there is something you haven’t done, do it now. Whether that’s a book you started during one of our many snow days, a video game, or even homework, now is the time to do it. In fact, now is the perfect time to catch up or get ahead on any school work you may have. That way you don’t have to stress as much later.

15.) Have a yard sale. With all the spring cleaning suggested, you might as well make some money off of all your hard work.

16.) Volunteer. The best way to feel good about yourself is to help others. Help the elderly with all of this snow we have or donate blood. There are always ways to help out; find one that interests you and go for it.

17.) Workout. All this snow and winter weather has most feeling sluggish and down. No better way to get feeling better and active than to workout.

18.) Go on a road trip. If you have the money and someone with a car, get some friends together and go somewhere. It doesn’t have to be far; just go somewhere and enjoy the mini vacation.

19.) Create something. Write a short story or poem. Draw or paint a picture. Write a song. Tap into your creative side and see where it takes you.

20.) Take a lot of pictures. No matter what you are doing, capture the great memories you are creating. You could always write an article for us about your spring break, and use those same photos!

Have Fun. Whatever you decide to do, have fun doing it. This week is definitely needed and well deserved. So don’t stress out about being bored and stranded at home or on campus; break out of your routine and ejoy the free time.

However, please remember to be safe during your break. We all know things can get out of hand quickly. Don’t venture off by yourself and put yourself in danger. Always remember don’t do something you’ll regret. You can still get hurt and in trouble, even if you are out of state.
So have fun, just be safe about it. Happy spring break, from The Keystone staff!