Spring is rolling its way into Penn State. The days are longer, and the temperature is hitting just above freezing (perfect!) While the weather might be bipolar for the next month, there’s no need to feel down. Think of yourself as a Tamagotchi — you might need an extra boost to get by. Don’t worry though, VALLEY is here to help you feel your best.
Hunger And Happiness
As a creature, you deserve to have your basic needs met. Luckily, the Penn State campus has a bunch of places just for that. If you’re feeling hungry, try Panda Express at the HUB or Sbarro. If you’re looking for a treat, the Creamery has amazing ice cream flavors like the Bellisario College Chocolate Pretzel Crunch (Go Comm!)
Just like the importance of filling your stomach, your mind should be full too. Dopamine is one of the crucial hormones needed for a happy mood. A sweet treat might not be enough to have long-lasting effects. Try a class like Zumba or cycling at the IM Building to get your body moving. Exercise can be just as uplifting for your overall mood.
Stress Be Gone
It’s well known that college is stressful. Sometimes, there’s no free time left with classes, organizations and jobs taking up space. Everyone deserves a break every now and then from these tedious activities. These breaks can be peaceful or energetic — the choice is up to you. As long as they’re positive, your Tamagotchi stress levels should decrease.
There are many activities downtown to help you feel happier and at peace. The State Theatre has some upcoming films like “Cat Video Fest” (2025) on Feb. 22 or “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” on March 1. The Palmer Museum of Art is also a great place to destress, surrounding you with beautifully painted pieces. They also have weekly activities on top of the pleasing, abstract art hanging on the walls.
Care Mistakes
Like a Tamagotchi, you should treat yourself with kindness and respect. If you don’t take care of yourself in a certain way, it can be difficult to press on. A care mistake can happen when you miss a step in your routine. Don’t worry though, you can always bounce back and become your healthiest, best self again.
With the bipolar weather, it is important not to treat yourself like the weather — try to be stable with your self-care. VALLEY recommends writing down the ways you plan to treat yourself.
How do you plan on implementing self-care? Let us know on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
