Crochet or Knit
Finding a new hobby is an amazing way to get your mind off of the craziness of being a student. A new hobby can also develop into a new skill. An easy hobby to pick up is crocheting or knitting. It is a fairly inexpensive hobby, as all you need is a crochet hook or knitting needles, yarn and a pattern to follow. You can find yarn at craft stores or discounted at thrift stores. Crochet and knit patterns are accessible online on Pinterest and Etsy or in books sold in craft and thrift stores.
Read a Book
Reading or listening to a book is another easy way to wind down. The University of Idaho Library offers a book club for students, Hit the Book(s) Club. According to the UI Library website, “Book genres are chosen by students rolling our 3D printed genre dice. Once a genre is chosen the students then get to vote on which book they would like to read from a list of 5–6 titles chosen by the Librarian.” Two books are chosen per semester, and snacks and warm drinks are provided at some book club meetings.
Take a Walk
A walk is another great way to relax. You can listen to music or a podcast as well as get some physical activity. The UI Arboretum & Botanical Garden is a beautiful area to explore — especially in spring, as the many varieties of plants begin to green.
Make a Special Drink
Warm Drink Recipe: London Fog
Ingredients: hot water, Earl Grey tea bags, milk of choice, vanilla syrup or extract, two mugs
1. Fill a mug halfway with hot water. Add one or two tea bags of Earl Grey and let steep for around five minutes.
2. While the tea is steeping, fill the second mug halfway with your milk of choice. Microwave for one minute.
3. Add desired amount of vanilla to warm milk (optional: froth the milk).
4. Combine the sweetened milk with the tea.
5. Enjoy!
Cold Drink Recipe: Shirley Temple
Ingredients: lemon-lime soda or ginger ale, grenadine syrup, maraschino cherries, cup
1. Pour your choice of soda to fill about ¾ of the cup.
2. Add grenadine syrup to taste.
3. Add a couple of maraschino cherries.
4. Enjoy!
