Feeling that mid-semester slump? Here's what you can do to refresh

By Joanna Farrell

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons Villy Fink Isaksen

Description: Kitesurfer at Sunset

It's spring break which means we're almost midway through spring semester. With midterms having passed or coming up after break, many students have hit a wall academically and are feeling tired and burned out.

However, this comes at a time where the weather is warming up across the state and finding ways to bide your time is easier as we are no longer having 30 degree days with a zero-degree windchill. Many researchers suggest that sunshine can increase serotonin levels which can positively increase mood as well as increasing focus and memory. So maybe with things heating up, it’s time to grab that laptop and your textbooks and do homework in the park or even in your backyard.

This week might also be a good time to grab some friends and take that road trip that you’ve been talking about in the group chat for a month. Research shows that exploring new areas or getting a change of scenery can increase happiness and reduce depression amongst individuals.

If you haven’t had a road trip in the works this might be a good time to draft something up either with friends or alone. Even if the weather is not ideal for tanning and swimming, a beach day may be in order over the coming week. With the studies on sun exposure and its correlation to happiness, it may be beneficial to take a walk along the shoreline or sit on the sand and have lunch.

For those looking for a short drive, Connecticut has beaches along our shore including Ocean Beach in New London and Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.

If you are looking for something a little farther from home, Rhode Island features the popular Misquamicut Beach. This beach features proximity to Watch Hill, famous for its shopping and being home to one of Taylor Swift's many mansions.

Those looking for an ambitious day trip or a one-night stay may be more interested in Hampton Beach located in Hampton, N.H. This is about a 2 to 3-hour drive from Connecticut and has lots to offer.

Not only is Hampton Beach known for its beautiful, nearly mile and a half long beach. It also has a boardwalk that boasts delicious restaurants, arcades, casinos, various

shopping outlets, and candy stores. After all who can take a trip to Hampton Beach and not take back some saltwater taffy?

Even if you choose to have a staycation this spring break, I hope that it is restful, and you return ready to finish the semester out strong.