Spring Has Sprung
Spring Has Sprung
By Anna Hessel
Spring’s The Thing
Spring is officially here. We have all heard April showers bring May flowers – with the budding of those flowers comes the promise of summer abundance. Spring means many things to many people. Some spring rituals include spring cleaning, spring planting and ‘spring break’. Spring is truly the season of renewal and regrowth. Religious holidays such as Easter and Passover can revitalize our spirits. ‘Spring break’ for college students, can be a carefree and joyous time.
Cleaning Up Our Acts
Spring cleaning readies our homes in much the same way the spirituality of spring renews our souls. Many of us find major house cleaning to be therapeutic. Washing down walls, scouring the oven, shampooing carpeting and furniture, beating the rugs, flipping the mattresses, vacuuming draperies, polishing the silver, making light fixtures sparkle, and washing windows to let the sun shine in. By the way, vinegar works wonders cleaning glass. The physical labor of a good house cleaning can be invigorating and uplifting.
A Rebirth
Spring is the sign of longer days and plenty of sunshine on the way. When we hose down the porch furniture we know family picnics, fun at the water park, or the beach are as predictable as ants at a picnic. In the same way we open our homes, welcoming daylight and fresh air, after a long winter’s cold confinement, we open our hearts and souls to the hope of new life once again. As we escape winter’s doldrums, our spirits soar with the promise of spring and sunshine. Such exhilarating rebirth does our hearts good.
Give Me A Break
For college students ‘spring break’ is a signal to sow some wild oats. The distinctive classic images of socializing in the sand and sun, breathing in the salty ocean air, draw young adult crowds by the thousands each year to cities like Myrtle Beach, Ft Lauderdale, and Cancun. But, with that autonomy comes considerable risk. Video titles such as “Girls Gone Wild” and the like, generate unsavory visions to say the least, causing many a parent sleepless nights. There are five very common ‘spring break’ pitfalls, no matter your destination of choice, the stuff of nightmares can occur.
Not So Safe Sex
Unplanned sexual encounters are dangerous. Unsafe sex with acquaintances, or total strangers top the list. Foregoing condoms places both people in danger of contracting a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. For a young woman there is always the chance of unplanned pregnancy. Even more risky is the potential danger for violence when people don’t know one another. ‘Date rape’ drugs such as Ketamine, GBH, and Rohypnol, known as “roofies”, are fast-acting, mimic extreme intoxication, and leave the victim open to sexual assault. These powerful central nervous system depressants leave the woman unable to consent, and afterwards often unsure of the violation, or the identity of the perpetrator.
Stealing More Than Just Your Heart
‘Spring break’ can be dangerous in other ways. Thievery and out-and-out robbery, are rampant during school break getaways. During this time many students will be relieved of their luggage, laptops, smartphones, cash, credit/debit cards, jewelry, and airline tickets. To prevent such losses, it is imperative for young people to keep a close eye on their belongings. Carry-ons, purses, and wallets, are prime targets. A money belt, neck safe, or fanny pack do offer some protection from theft. Credit card companies should be advised of any travel plans. It makes sense to pack lightly, leaving irreplaceable valuables at home; your grandmother’s heirloom earrings do not belong on a ‘spring break’ vacay. All tourists when traveling abroad, should be sure to have duplicate copies of all important documents.
Can You Stomach This?
Trips to Mexico and other international destinations can introduce other problems. Intestinal ailments such as ‘Montezuma’s Revenge’ are a common, but a distressing problem that can be very serious. The best advice is to choose your eateries carefully. Eat only at well-established, mainstream restaurants, and only drink bottled water-order other drinks without ice. Running out of medications while traveling is a poor alternative to having all the meds you may need. It is recommended that people take along basic over the counter medications, and a full supply, plus extra of your regular prescribed medicines, and definitely a first aid kit.
Don’t Feel The Burn
Be safe by using sunscreen when outside, being the most careful between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Reapply sun screen or sun block every couple of hours, more often if in the water. Wear sunglasses rated for 100% UV blocking. If it is hot, take a break indoors every couple of hours, ideally in an air-conditioned space. Shower and moisturize after a day of sunbathing; aloe vera lotions and hydrocortisone work well for sunburns. Build a base tan slowly with sun protection products to get a golden glow, instead of that burned to a crisp and peeling look. Don’t forget to use a high SPF lip balm.
I Won’t Drink To That
Binge drinking is another ‘spring break’ peril. The human liver can only process about one alcoholic beverage per hour: such as, 5 oz. of wine, 12 oz. of a typical beer, or a 1.5 oz liquor shot. Drink plenty of water between alcohol servings, and don’t drink on an empty stomach. “Hangover” foods, such as scrambled eggs, contain two important amino acids, cysteine and taurine – the latter flushes the body of toxins fast and reverses liver damage. Coconut water and bananas provide necessary potassium and electrolytes. Of course, it is best to not over drink. Another option is to avoid alcohol altogether.
Refreshing Relaxation
Springtime should be a time of refreshing relaxation, a concert in the park, bank fishing, a movie marathon; a pampering spa day; reading a few good books. If the weather allows, take some long woodland walks. Experiment with some new foods, visit loved ones, volunteer at the local animal shelter. Maybe it is time to learn to love your town all over again, with a fabulous and economical staycation spent checking out local museums, zoos, historic landmarks, and unique boutiques.
Our Culture Gone Viral
A springtime family road trip has seemingly gone to the wayside with the COVID-19 pandemic. How then can we celebrate the season of renewal? Perhaps cook your best-loved dishes, bake your favorite fruit pie, plan a family board game night, dust off the piano or the stereo for an upbeat old-fashioned sing-along. Scoot the sofa and dim the lights for your own personal dance floor (no disco ball required).
Projects and More Projects
With “stay home, stay safe” orders, maybe we need to think, re-decorate. Organize closets, or do a few of those DIY projects you’ve wanted to do. Now could be the time to paint a pretty border in your bedroom, recover that old loveseat, stencil your kitchen cabinet doors, trim those dated toss cushions with lace, fashion curtains out of tea towels, or add a new spring plant to your windowsill. If you haven’t got any specific ideas, Pinterest has many refreshing project possibilities. Home decor updates can be seen on magazine websites, as well as home improvement cable networks, such as HGTV. If you want an easy home makeover, simply re-frame existing artwork, add some bright throw pillows, and a couple of colorful rugs. Such effortless projects can go a long way to create a refreshing spring statement.
Newfangled Traditions
Try doing some traditional things in new ways. For instance, many libraries allow online sign up with your library card. E-books or audio volumes, as well as online magazines without fees are available. Many libraries and community centers offer virtual classes on the internet for learning and enjoyment. Many outdoor activities, such as nature walks, bird-watching, biking, jogging, or hiking, can still be enjoyed with a few friends at a safe physical distance.
Embrace Shelter-in-place
I suggest embracing shelter-in-place by savoring the required staycation with some of the above suggestions, or others you might brainstorm with your family. Under the COVID-19 watch we are all missing our normal spring activities outdoors, at our places of worship, and our favorite hangouts, but spring is always in our hearts, refreshing and renewing our spirits. Despite restrictions on many activities there is much to be thankful for. Being grateful is always allowed.
