Category Archives: Wellness

YAY! It’s Spring Break

By Nusrah Azeez

Spring break time is a fun time. The countdown is finally over. Spring break is here!!! If you are thinking about what to do over the break, check out these budget-friendly activities you could do with friends.

Road trip

Hit up some of your friends and go on a fun road trip, you can choose a new place nearby, or explore close to home. It could be a planned out trip or you can make it spontaneous. This trip should not break the bank because everything can be split. Gas costs, food costs, down to the hotel costs, can be shared between you and your friends. You can even take turns driving. Road trips are adventurous and can be a great way to bond. Remember to be a responsible traveler and make sure to pay attention to local COVID policies.

Night out

If you have been away from some of your friends while in school, this is the time to reconnect and catch up on missed moments. A night out is always a good move, you can do anything. Get dressed up and go to a fancy restaurant, go to the mall, go to the movies, visit an arcade, go rollerblading, ice skating, skiing, or go bowling, the list is endless. 

Hike

Being active is beneficial for your mind and health. Ditch the gym this time and go on a hike. Explore nature and take in all its beauty. You can visit some of Amherst’s hiking spots like Mount Holyoke Range State Park, Mill River Recreation Area, and Amethyst Brook Conservation Area. Don’t forget to bring your friends or dog along. 

Host a Potluck

Hosting might sound like too much work but you can make it an exciting experience. Invite a few friends over and get them involved. Everyone should bring a fancy home cooked meal, set up together, and clean up together. Hosting is less stressful when there are people to help.

Go to a concert or see a sports game live

Find some cheap tickets to a concert and have some fun. Seatgeek, Ticket club, and Vivid seats have some of the best deals on concert tickets. It is a different experience being at a concert and hearing the music live. You could also find new bands playing at local restaurants and discover some new music at no cost.

Internship

Summer is fast approaching, if you want to be a little more productive, work on your resume and apply to as many summer internships as you can. Having professional experience is a good way to learn more about your major. You can also gain a little insight into what career path interests you.

Try out food from new a restaurant 

Getting food from new places might be risky because you never really know what to expect in terms of service and food quality, but it’s time to give your taste buds something different. Go to a restaurant you have never been to and get something you have never tried. You might be surprised at the different great delicacies you find. Check out Pita Pockets, Pasta E Basta, and Miss Saigon here in Amherst.

Wishing you a happy spring break. Do not forget to have fun and stay safe.

Love and Adventure are in the Air!

By Christine Souaiden

We are kicking off the fourth week of the semester with Valentine’s Day, the day of love! It is important to remember to be kind to yourself and others today. More importantly, do not forget to treat yourself with some chocolate and maybe even flowers! Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, there are a couple ways to celebrate. Have a night in, buy some chocolate, and put on a good movie! If you like to celebrate in a more social setting, go out to dinner and top it off with dessert from some of Amherst’s local bakeries.

After we celebrate the day of love, there are a lot of fun events to explore, let’s run through some of them! Calling out to all the new students. On Wednesday, February 16th at 7pm, a New Student Bingo Night is being held at the Student Union Ballroom. Join for a night of fun, an opportunity to meet new people and maybe even win some prizes. Do not forget to RSVP!

While we are in the midst of Black History Month, we are celebrating with many events, here are some that you cannot miss! On February 17, the 2019 Academy Award winner in Costume Design for her work on Marvel’s Black Panther, Ruth E. Carter will be offering the keynote speech for CHC’s Annual Black Heritage Month. The event will take place at Bowker Auditorium starting at 5pm. As a tribute to the musical legacy of Frederick Tillis, on Sunday February 20th, the Department of Music & Dance is honoring the founder of UMass’ Jazz and African American Music Studies Program. The event will take place at the Tillis Performance Hall starting at 4pm. 

As classes lock in and the semester starts to pick up, it might feel like things are getting a little overwhelming. Take advantage of the fun activities that are being hosted on campus to get away from academic stress for a little while. On February 17th, starting at 7pm, the library is hosting a paint night. The event will be held at the W.E.B Du Bois Library, Floor 22. Registration is required to attend the event, click here to lock in your spot. 

We are ending the month with a big event. On February 25, American rapper Polo G will be performing at The Mullins Center. The doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 8pm. Attendees must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative result taken within 72 hours prior to entry. Face coverings will be required at the event and must be worn at all times. Follow this link for more information and to buy tickets.  

Valentine’s day is the perfect reminder for us to spread love. It is important for us to carry out every action with compassion for others. For the rest of the week, be mindful of your thoughts towards yourself and others. Try to shift into a more positive and loving mindset. You know what they say… love conquers all. 

Winter Outdoor Adventures!

By Caroline Buck

1,273 Kids Sledding Illustrations & Clip Art - iStock

Getting back into the semester groove can be difficult, especially with the cold weather and short days. Despite these factors, fresh air is important for a variety of health benefits. If you are averse to the cold weather, here are some tips and tricks to possibly open your mind to spending some more time outdoors in the winter season, enjoyably! 

Bundle up! I know it seems like a simple concept, but it is typically overlooked. You should ask yourself: are you cold or do you just not have enough layers? The right number of layers can make all the difference in having an enjoyable outdoor experience. Materials such as wool, polyester, and synthetic blends, will keep you warm in the coldest of weather. Make sure to avoid cotton, as it is not good for cold weather since it absorbs moisture and lacks insulation. 

Go for a walk! Take a break from your work to stretch your legs. Walking can brighten your mood and increase your blood flow. Walking may seem like a mundane activity, but it has been known to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones/muscles, improve sleep, increase energy levels, strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, etc. You can enjoy this time by listening to a podcast/music or even bring a friend along. Some close-by hiking locations include Mill River Conservation Area, Amethyst Brook Conservation Area, and Mount Warner Trailhead.

Go sledding! There are plenty of sledding hills spread around the campus, so pick one and go for it. Yes, a sled would be ideal for this situation but if you do not have the means to find a sled you can be creative and make one. Cardboard is a great substitute for a plastic sled.

Snowball fight! Build a snowman! You could get a group of friends together for a good ol’ fashioned snowball fight/snowman building. There is still a decent amount of the winter season left, so you could even find a time while it’s snowing. 

Try skiing or snowboarding! Join the UMass Amherst Ski and Board club for a trip to the mountains. All ages and skill levels are welcome. As a skier myself, I can assure you many people learn to ski and board later in life, so it’s never too late to give it a shot! 

With the cold month of February just beginning, try to keep some of these activities in mind. Keeping your body moving and blood flowing during these dark winter months will improve both your physical and mental health. If you bundle up properly, you may find an activity that makes winter y our new favorite season!