The sun is back out and the seasonal depression is finally gone, daylight savings time is here! The glorious time of year when we spring forward an hour and the sun stays out till 7:30. While we lose a precious hour of sleep, we gain months of happier days. There are many ways that WCHS students like to spend their time with the new extended daylight. Below is a list of the top five.
Going on a walk:
Going for a walk is the best way to spend a warm weather day in broad daylight. There is nothing better than putting in your headphones and listening to your favorite music or podcasts. The light is shining and a long walk down your neighborhood street, or a stroll in the park, is a great mood booster during the long and stressful school year. Studies show that taking daily walks leads to a 25% less chance of depression. This is an amazing way to mitigate mental health problems as students and there are also other great long-term effects.
Going to a farmers market:
The farmers’ market closes during the winter months and reopens in the spring. Daylight savings mark the time that many farmers’ markets reopen. The farmers market is a great place to get fresh and local produce perfect for school lunches, snacks and cooking. This is an easy way to pick out all the fresh fruits and vegetables and incorporate them into your diet. Farmers markets range big and small and carry a variety of fruits and vegetables; some can be found at grocery stores and some more unique. Hop by the local farmers market with friends and family to find the freshest produce and start a healthy eating journey!
Have a Picnic:
The perfect spring day includes a warm sunny day, a grassy field and a picnic. A park or an open field are great places to have a picnic; even the comfort of a backyard works. Grab all your friends and plan your perfect spring day and picnic! Everyone can bring their own food or drinks. Some ideas are charcuterie boards, fruit, veggies or any finger food that is easy to bring and make a large spread. A huge blanket is also a necessity when planning a picnic along with all the plates and cutlery. The picnic can be a chill hangout or a fun and fancy get-together. A few ways to easily elevate a simple picnic is a nice gingham blanket to put down, real plates and cutlery as opposed to disposable and, of course, a digital camera to capture all the memories.
Have a Campfire:
While a campfire may seem simple, it is one of the easiest but most fun ways to spend time outdoors. Although the days are warm, spring nights can still be chilly and a warm campfire is a simple solution. A campfire is one of the best and easiest ways to spend nights outside as it keeps you warm and it can serve as a fun dinner switch-up. The most common campfire foods are hotdogs and smores, the ultimate combo to have a fun night. Invite friends and family over for a fun night of food, games and the classic campfire stories (scary or not).
These are just a few of the many ways that WCHS students can spend their time when daylight savings time ends and the days of sunlight and warmth get a little bit longer.