Spring is upon us, and I am certain many of us are hoping for warmer temperatures. Temperatures are still a bit chilly, and coursework is keeping everyone busy; hopefully, this hasn’t kept you from spending some time outside. With the weather permitting, I have found myself dedicating a part of my day to enjoying the outdoors as the months become warmer. I consider this time outside to be an anchoring component of my schedule, in that it takes my mind off of stressful school assignments or other obligations for a moment. I would like to share just a few of these activities you can try this springtime.
Downtown Hamilton has a charming assortment of shops and restaurants, a couple of which I highly recommend you check out. I personally enjoy stopping by Fojo Beans in between classes, during breaks from studying or when I just need a nearby pick-me-up. The welcoming environment of Fojo is ideal for wrapping up your class assignments as there are plenty of tables set up. If you haven’t already, be sure to drop by Fojo and try their incredible drink and food selections. There is nothing better than getting work done with a tasty cappuccino and classical rock in the background. After a solid study session and some caffeine, it may be nice to browse around local shops and grab a bagel at Flour & Salt. Staying consistent with taking a brisk daily walk around and off campus has significantly improved my own focus on both academic and personal achievements.
Another idea for spring is to take a weekly hike with friends on Colgate’s extensive trails. One of my favorite spots is the Quarry, a beautiful, tall rock structure found a short distance beyond the Foggy Bottom Observatory when passing by Raab House. Maybe bring along a book to read, and consider a walk down to the “Field of Dreams” to admire the sunset.
Colgate’s Green Bikes Program allows students to rent bicycles at an affordable fee, and the online lottery system application for a bike is quick and easy to fill out. However, the form is not yet available for this spring season as of March 31. I strongly encourage my fellow summertime bike enthusiasts to consider this opportunity to get exercise and take a step towards fostering a more sustainable campus.
I would also like to share the well-established benefits of spending time outdoors, especially as daylight hours will be gradually maximized during these upcoming months. According to an article by Kristen Weir published by the American Psychological Association, there are plenty of positive impacts going outside has on our cognitive functions and performance — whether our goals are more oriented towards academics, athletics or career-related success. The same article points out that Americans average ten hours of screen time per day, so think about ditching the phone and dedicating a portion of your daily schedule to stepping outside. Unlike the blue light emitted from phones and computers, sunlight substantially improves our ability to focus while also increasing our happiness and supporting stronger interpersonal relations. A Denmark study conducted by the APA showed that adolescents with access to a green space near their home or neighborhood environment were much less likely to develop a mental illness or experience anxiety compared to those who were not exposed to a green space.
Just like a well-balanced diet for the body, time outside functions as fuel for our minds. The demands of our lives are pressing, and we have all experienced stress when balancing the particularly challenging yet unique aspects of life as college students. So, now is your chance to have a picnic on the lawn next to the O’Connor Campus Center (Coop) or even at one of the benches between Pinchin Hall and Burke Hall. Invite a few friends to hang out at Taylor Lake for a study session or simply to catch up. Even though we’ll see the occasional cold, snowy day this spring season, we must all take advantage of the sunlight while our days are gradually getting longer. Summertime is waiting for us right around the corner.
