After a long winter and a disheartening snowfall on the first day of spring, it seems like our long awaited days of sun and warm, dry weather may finally be upon us. And with the arrival of spring comes the sort of optimism that makes everything a little more fun because, hey, now you can do it outside. So start breaking out the shorts because here’s a list of some of the things we’re looking forward to being able to do outside this season.
1. Exercising
Pack your bags, gym rats and move outside for your next workout! For the last few months you’ve internally debated whether or not to wrap yourself up in layers of thick clothing and risk the ice to get some fresh air and a run outdoors, but no longer. The sun is out and in the spring time, the weather is nice enough for an outdoor workout without the awful humidity of summer. So go for a run in the park or take your yoga mat outside because the weather is perfect for it. And look out for free upcoming yoga sessions in Schenley Plaza!
2. Reading
There’s no better way to unwind than settling down with a book outside on a bench or under a tree. The natural light from the sun is better for your eyes than indoor lighting, so bookworms rejoice! You can read for a bit longer without losing momentum.
3. Napping
As a college student, you are probably used to public napping anyway. But now you can do it outdoors! The soothing sounds of the outdoors—the breeze, the birds chirping—will be a natural lullaby to let you get that quick nap in between classes. Just make sure you set an alarm on your phone and wear sunscreen so that you don’t oversleep and wake up with a bad sunburn.
4. Having lunch
Next time you’re going to get lunch, get it to go and take it outside! Sit at one of the picnic tables on campus or rough it a bit and sit in the grass. On the weekends, invite your friends to get together and have a potluck picnic!
5. Studying
Of course, just because the weather is getting nicer doesn’t mean you should neglect your studies. But you can bring your laptops and books outside with you! Take advantage of CMU’s wireless campus, or take your studying to Schenley Plaza with its free public Wi-Fi.
6. Volunteering
Feel good about the weather and feel good about yourself! There are plenty of ways you can spend some time volunteering outdoors. You can go to a local animal shelter where you can enjoy a nice day walking dogs or go to Schenley or Frick Park to join the volunteer forces there that keep the parks healthy. Want to do some celebrating as well? Head over to Frick Park during its Earth Day weekend for Volunteer Day!
7. Gardening
There’s no better way to usher in the spring season than to do a little gardening! Pick up a potted plant and give it some TLC. Don’t have the greenest thumb? Go to Phipps Conservatory on any weekend and take one of their classes ranging from gardening tips to making origami flowers if you aren’t into the real flowers. Classes are free with admission and admission is free with your student ID.
8. Eating ice cream
Warmer weather is the perfect excuse for ice cream. Go healthy with fat-free frozen yogurt and fruit over at Razzi Fresh or go local with Dave & Andy’s ice cream. If you missed free ice from Rita’s on the first day of spring, no worries! Free cone day from Ben & Jerry’s is coming up on April 14th, so treat yo’ self!