Regardless of where you spent your Spring Break, there’s a good chance it was warmer than it’s been here in Madison this winter. Back at school this week, we’ve traded our spring clothes and bikinis for snow boots and down jackets. Yes, Wisconsin greeted the first official day of spring with winter-like weather.
It’s winters like this that makes us question why we chose to make the tundra our home for four years. We flip nostalgically through Welcome Week pictures, praying for the day that we can shed our winter blues and enjoy our first pitcher of the season at the Terrace. When the sun comes out and the ice finally melts, we remember one of the many reasons why we love it here. Spring is (hopefully) around the corner, so until then, here’s five ways to beat the late winter depression:
1. Spring Cleaning
One of my favorite ways to prepare for spring is a little retail therapy. As a college student on a budget, the best thing to do is clean out your closet before you go shopping, so you know exactly what you need when you hit the mall. Ditch the pilling sweaters you’ve been living in all winter and anything else you haven’t worn in the last year. If you have items that are still in good condition, sell them back at ReThreads Clothing on State Street. Nothing like a little extra shopping money!
2. Eat Green
Despite the forecast, you can still pretend it’s spring by eating your favorite warm weather meals. When it’s cold out, we all need food that sticks to our ribs, as my mom would say. Swap those comfort foods like chili, soup, and mac and cheese, for something light and fresh. The summer Farmer’s Market opens April 19th, but until then, you can check out the winter market from 8am to Noon every Saturday at the Madison Senior Center.
3. Rock Out
It’s 8pm on a Thursday and it’s been raining all day. You’re tempted to spend the night curled up in a blanket on the couch, but you know your friends will convince you to go out tonight. Get in the mood to party (and for spring!) by creating the ultimate playlist of your favorite spring and summer songs. Bring back that ‘Mifflin 2012’ playlist and turn up the volume (please excuse my horrible taste in music).
4. Get Some Sun
When the sun comes out and the temperature finally hits a blustering 42 degrees, go outside and enjoy the early spring weather. The Lake Shore path and Picnic Point are two of the treasures of our campus, so take advantage of them. Until then, Jergens Natural Glow will have to do.
5. Be Spontaneous
Spice up your week with something fun to break up the winter monotony. Go out on a Tuesday just because you can (maybe that’s just me…), try out a new exercise class (CYC Fitness and Barre 3 are my addictions this year), experiment with a new recipe, or pick up that pink lipstick you’ve been eyeing at Walgreens. Whatever you choose, add something to your week that you can look forward to.
Next week’s forecast looks somewhat promising and word on the street is that the Terrace could be opening soon. Keep your fingers crossed Badgers, spring may finally be right around the corner!