At times, traveling and going on extravagant trips that are meant for relaxation can be more stressful than just staying at home. Someone who likes a laid-back vacation but is not looking for anything too elaborate is in need of one thing: a staycation. A staycation is a budget friendly and close-to-home option for vacation. With spring break rapidly approaching, students may be looking for activities to pass the time while not spending too much money. Below are seven fun things to do for this year’s spring break.
1. Go on a walk at Salisbury Beach Boardwalk
Whether it is a warm sunny day or a cloudy cold one, the Salisbury Beach Boardwalk is a wonderful place to go with friends and family. The sound of the waves crashing and the cool sea breeze creates a peaceful environment that helps you relax both physically and emotionally. With the feeling of the sand beneath your toes and the fresh ocean air, it is easy to relax. According to National Geographic, going to the beach can help you reduce stress and improve your mood. After enjoying the beach, you can treat yourself to something from Tripoli Bakery nearby, which offers pizza and pastries to those passing through the area.
2. Taking the train to Boston
With a proper planned out schedule, taking the train to Boston can be a great time. You can take either the Lowell track or the Littleton/Route 459 train, both of which go to the North Station. Not only is taking the train an efficient mode of transportation, but it turns what would have been a stressful commute by car into a scenic, relaxing experience. Those who like exploring, observing the views that Massachusetts has to offer, and avoiding driving would find themselves enjoying this option.
3. Dining at restaurants nearby
Restaurants are some of my favorite places to visit any time of the year. However, with a busy schedule people usually don’t get the chance to dine out. But now that spring break is coming up, people have more time to do things they otherwise wouldn’t get the chance to do, such as trying new restaurants, which is a great way to experience different foods and spend time with family or friends.
There are a lot of options in Massachusetts that offer a variety of different food choices. For example, Finz in Salem is a seafood and poke restaurant. Okipoke is another good choice where you can get sushi in a welcoming environment. If you want something that is casual, Paul’s Diner in Westford is a great place to get breakfast. These options are great if you are looking for somewhere diverse to eat.
4. Go on a hike.
Hiking is a great way to improve both your mental and physical health. Being outside in nature can help reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed. In New England, there are many good hiking spots to choose from: Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey, New Hampshire is a popular one with pretty views and Mount Watatic in Massachusetts is a moderate hike which also has great views. Hiking is also a good way to get exercise without having to get too tired or intense and as you can always go at your own pace instead of having to keep up with others. Going hiking can also be an awesome opportunity to connect with others as you can hike with your friends, family, or you can connect with yourself and hike solo. Overall, hiking is a simple and enjoyable activity.
5. Watch your all time favorite movies
Whether it’s a nostalgic classic like “10 Things I Hate About You” or an emotional drama like “Good Will Hunting”, movies can be used for much more than just passing time. According to the SAE Institute, watching film and entertainment helps with escapism and it allows the brain to be alleviated from stress and focus on something else. You can comfortably sit down on your couch with your friends or family and have a movie marathon. Whether you are laughing at a comedy, or feeling connected to a character’s bravery and resilience, having a movie marathon can help you recharge and gain a new perspective.
6. Read books
If you don’t want to keep watching your screen and doom scroll for the whole day, reading gives you something to do that doesn’t involve tapping or swiping. When you are reading, it keeps your brain busy so you don’t slip into boredom. If it is hard to start reading, find a book that you will like based on the hobbies you enjoy or activities you like doing, or even listen to audiobooks while you are cleaning your room or working out.
7. Make a playlist with tunes that fit the upcoming weather
Making a playlist with upbeat and positive songs helps people get into a happier mood by boosting one’s energy. According to Florida National University, music can help ease discomfort when it comes to tests. There are also many music releases coming up soon to look forward to, such as the Your Favorite Toy from the Foo Fighters, The Great Divide by Noah Kahan, and many more. Regardless of what your music taste is, music can help you feel relaxed without being too expensive.
