Winter is finally on its way out the door, which means sunshine, warm weather, outside running and spending lazy days lying outside in the grass. Spring means that euphoric feeling that only fresh air and sunshine can produce.
Working and studying abroad can make your life feel hectic, but don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the beautiful change of seasons. Even if you don’t have a lot of time to spare there are small things you can do to take advantage of the springtime, especially while working in a foreign country.
Sit in the sun. Even though it is such a simple thing to do, it makes all the difference in your mood. While you’re doing your homework or waiting to pick up your host family’s children, sit in the sun and soak up that Vitamin D. Grab your favorite Mineralwasser and enjoy the weather. Maybe even write a Postkarte to your best friend or family member back home.
Spend your lunch break at the river or outdoor table with friends. When you have an hour or so for a lunch break, pack a sandwich and gather your friends together to sit in the grass by the river or sit at a table outside of the Universität. Some of my favorite memories have been spent by the Salzach River in Salzburg during my quick in between class breaks with my friends from abroad.
Buy flowers at the local market. On your weekend breaks, grab your camera, some water, a few Euros, some sunscreen and head out to a local farmer’s market. Buy some bright, spring flowers and a piece of local fruit. Putting the flowers in your room where you are living will boost your mood every time you see them, guaranteed.
Sit outside in the Biergarten. Sitting in the Biergarten is one of my favorite things to do in the spring and summer. Bier is part of the local culture in Österreich and Deutschland and both young and old frequent this local goldmine. Grab a fresh Weißbier and sit outside, even with someone you may not know.
Walk or run on the outdoor paths. One of the things I love about European countries is their accessibility to the outdoors. I started running every day outside while studying in Salzburg and continued that while I was an Au Pair in Germany. Running or walking by the Alps was one of the best ways to relieve stress. There are plenty of marathons you can sign up for in the spring too. It’s the best time to be outside and get some exercise in to your daily routine.
