11 Little Ways to Stay Positive and Enjoy Yourself in May
There is just one month left of school, and it can be hard to stay positive when all you want is to do anything but your homework. Your mind is probably consumed by thoughts of sleeping in, swimming in the ocean, getting to hang out with your best friends, and maybe even returning to camp.
Nonetheless, it’s important to finish the school year strong (despite that case of Spring Fever you’re coming down with right about now!). Here are some reasons to celebrate and stay positive as you get through the home stretch of the school year.
1. Let’s start simple - find something to look forward to, and start a countdown
Maybe it’s a birthday or a night out with friends. Either way, find something to look forward to and start counting down to it. If you’re really feeling extra, you can even try out these diy countdown blocks. (If you’re too lazy to go to the store, you can make the blocks out of tape, paper, and markers rather than buying wood).
2. Check out Holiday Insights
Holiday Insights is an awesome website that lists pretty much every holiday ever. They have a page for each month of the year that names special holidays and weeks that take place during the chosen month. You can click on each holiday for more information about it as well!
For example, did you know that May is National Salad Month, that the second week of May is Wildflower Week, or that May 20th is Pick Strawberries Day?
Celebrating these fun and frivolous holidays can make the day much more exciting. What downside is there to having some strawberries on Pick Strawberries Day? Get your friends to join you in celebrating these small joys in life!
3. Make a list of things you’re thankful for
It can be easy to lose sight of the things we’re lucky to have, so take some time to be thankful! If you don’t feel like writing, you can even just take some time to reflect. It may be difficult to put things into perspective until time does it for you, but being mindful always pays off.
4. Bake something!
Baking is so much fun - it’s not just an activity; you also get to enjoy the final result! Here are some cool recipes to try out:
Blackberry Cobbler, if you’re into being (relatively) ~healthy~
Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake, because we all need our coffee to get through the day (don’t make this if you can’t tolerate caffeine!)
If you’re looking to experiment while you bake instead, check out this cookie infographic!
5. Make someone’s day
It doesn’t take much to make someone smile. Whether you’re complimenting a friend’s haircut, listening to someone who needs to vent, or simply giving away some cookies that you made last night, remember how good it feels to make others happy.
6. Fangirl!
Admit it - we’re all guilty of fangirling sometimes. Get excited because that new show has your DREAM cast! Rewatch that awesome movie your favorite actress was in! Look at (and buy, probably) the merchandise that was released with your favorite band’s new album! Smile at the success of that favorite celebrity whom you admire so much! Get pumped to see your favorite Marvel characters in Infinity War! Have a dance party while listening to your favorite song on repeat!
7. Reach out to an old friend
Remember that camp best friend who you drifted apart from over the year? Contact them and reminisce about old memories. Tell them about your life, and find out how they're doing.
8. Try out a cool DIY
Making things is super fun. maybe you'll dedicate some more time to your Genius project outside of school or try out a new DIY. Here are some you might like:
DIY Shirt Design to create your own personalized graphic tee
9. Do an Amazon shopping spree
The great thing about Amazon is that they sell so much for so cheap. Set aside $20 from a birthday gift or work salary and treat yourself to some fun things! You’ve been working hard the whole school year and deserve the gift.
10. Remember to laugh
Whether you post memes to your lounge’s meme wall, quote your favorite Vines with friends, or watch your favorite comedy show, laughter is the best medicine.
11. Know that you’ve totally got the rest of the school year
There is always so much to be thankful for in life. You go to a great school and have amazing friends. Remember to try new things and to celebrate and enjoy the little things in life. Appreciate your experiences while you have them. Summer will be here before you know it, but until then, good luck with the rest of the year!