I might offend some people with what I’m about to say, but if the last few weeks are any indication of what global warming is about then I’m in full support. Don’t get your panties in a wad, I’m only kidding.
What I mean to say is that the weather has been absolutely gorgeous for several weeks now and March is teasing me with a taste of summer that I can’t resist. The ease of throwing on a mere t-shirt and shorts before heading outside is something that I will never grow tired of and if I wasn’t in a relationship, the perks are even more prevalent. Again, I’m kidding.
I am going to be very frustrated when this sunshine gives way to rain because let’s be honest with ourselves, it’s bound to happen. It might be a week or it could be a month, but North Carolina weather is more indecisive than a sailor. Get it? Because they’re far from ‘shore.’
Alright, enough with the jokes. I’m not here because I want a gig on Comedy Central, but because I’ve been enjoying myself a lot more effortlessly as of late. Being able to spend time outside has really lifted my mood and although we don’t have a spring break this year, there’s no need to go anywhere with the temperatures steadily climbing.
I figured I could take a step away from the world of sports for just a moment to brainstorm about the ways in which we, as students, can begin to capitalize on the warmth.
Take Class Outside
I know we are all reaching a point in the semester where Zoom fatigue is kicking in full throttle. The monotonous schedule of logging into the same meeting room, day after day, in the same spot of your house or apartment is almost too much to bear. If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to even maintain focus due to the fact that our routines never seem to change. If that happens to be the case, do yourself a favor and look for a change of scenery. Find a comfortable spot outside to set up camp and enjoy class while the sun beams down on you. Not only will you find yourself more engaged with the lesson plan in front of you, but your serotonin levels will skyrocket leading to a much more productive and successful day. Take it from me, a lazy bum who procrastinates on everything.
Have a Picnic
If you’re easily bothered by crawling critters, a picnic might not be for you. Otherwise, this is a must on the list. Grab a close friend or significant other and take a trip to the closest supermarket or grocery store. What you decide to munch on is personal preference, but be sure to at least grab some bug spray, a blanket and some trash bags while you’re there. The rest is pretty self explanatory. Find an open, grassy area to lay out all of your supplies and enjoy a nutritious meal (if you wish) with your “partner.” Feel free to bring along a camera to take a few photos, maybe a board game or laptop to keep you entertained and leave behind a few crumbs for the ants that will undoubtedly infiltrate your spot. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to take your picnic up a notch, check out these portable picnic tables on Amazon.
Get Active – Play a Sport or Go For a Run
Warm weather is great for a variety of things but in my opinion, there’s nothing better than getting a little blood flow going with some physical activity. Of course, you can get active in the winter, but nothing is as miserable as feeling like your fingers are about to fall off from the freezing temperatures. Recently, I’ve been getting out and going for walks around campus, running a mile or two a day and at least once a week, playing basketball on the outdoor courts that dot Chapel Hill. If you aren’t a fan of basketball, take a trip to Hooker Fields and kick around a soccer ball or toss a football. And if you don’t play sports, get outdoors for a yoga session. Just do something active. I’d even consider beer dye to be a physical activity, as it requires some movement; if you’ve never played, go check out my friend Eliza’s blog on the game. I don’t mean to sound pushy, but the weather we are having is too beautiful to go to waste and I will stand firmly by that.
https://elizakrans.squarespace.com/blog/time-to-die
Watch the Sunset
The last idea on this list is pretty simple. Gather a group of friends, find a vehicle and drive to a nearby area where you can watch the sunset. Google has plenty of suggestions for where to visit and if your excuse is that you have class at this time, take your laptop with you. I know just about all of us have a hot spot on our phone these days. Bring some lawn chairs or a blanket to lay down, settle in and admire the scenes of nature that surround you as the sun sinks below the horizon. Bring along some snacks and drinks, non-alcoholic unless you’re 21+, and enjoy some conversation with the people around you. We’ve been stuck inside for almost a year now, so we can’t take the small moments for granted. And just to make things easier on you, I’ve provided a link for the best places to watches a sunset around Chapel Hill, NC. You’re welcome.
Top 10 Best Watch Sunset in Chapel Hill, NC – Last Updated March 2021
I’ve given you plenty of ideas on how to take advantage of the weather that Mother Nature has so graciously given us, so please, do yourself a favor and try something new. It won’t be long before April rolls around and we’re all trotting down Franklin Street, soaked in a raincoat and feeling miserable. The sun’s out, so get your buns out, of the house that is.
Stanley out, and about.
zachstanley.blog 