Published: March 19, 2021

Whether you join an event or have a day to yourself, there are many ways to relax and recharge for the semester ahead. Here are 10 things for you to do this Thursday. 

Stay active

Visit the Student Rec Center. Come take a break, meet other Buffs and re-energize as the Rec Center hosts a series of events for you to stay active. Join an outdoor cycle class, sign up for a 5K Wellness Skate Challenge or have fun with field games. No matter what you do, it only matters that you move! Registration is required for all events.

student exercising at the rec centerGo geocaching. Get outside for some exercise while joining the world’s largest treasure-hunting community! Millions of containers, also known as geocaches, are hidden in almost every country around the world. You can join the search for them by downloading the free Geocaching app, which will walk you through your first geocache adventure. Just remember to maintain physical distancing, wear a face covering when out in public and wash your hands.

Hit the trails. If the weather is nice, take a break from your usual path to hit the trails. Whether you want to bike, hike or go for a walk, here are some trails to check out around Boulder.

  • Easy: Chautauqua and Bluebell Trail Loop
    This 1.6-mile loop is a great option for hiking and trail running. The trail offers opportunities to see local wildlife and is good for all levels.
  • Moderate: Bald Mountain
    This 5-mile loop is perfect for a number of activities, including hiking and biking. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. Remember to bag any pet waste and pack it out with you. 
  • Difficult: South Boulder Peak
    This 8.8-mile loop offers a great chance to see wildlife and scenic views of Boulder County. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. 

Focus on you

Learn to manage stress. Take some time to learn about stress-management techniques you can use this semester (and into the future).  

Sign up for a Career Services workshop. Learn about fine-tuning your resume, taking advantage of career fairs and how to gain experience without having a job through Career Services workshops. Whether you have been wanting to prepare yourself for the workforce or to add a skill set to your resume, your Wellness Day can be a great opportunity to think about what’s next.

Reorganize and decorate. With spring around the corner and the end of the semester a few weeks away, this is the perfect time for some spring cleaning. Donate the clothes you never wear. If you have a project you’ve been wanting to start, now might be the perfect time! 

Do something fun

Plan a game night. While many party games require a large number of players, there are plenty of games you can play with your family or roommates. So break out the snacks, grab some board games or a deck of cards and challenge each other to a game. If you live in the residence halls, you can check out various games at your community center.

Play some ping pong and billiards. Grab a friend and take advantage of one hour of free ping pong or billiards at The Connection. The bowling lanes are also open for students. Reservations are highly encouraged.

Give back 

Bake a treat to share. The banana bread craze is real. Baking or cooking can be a great way to relax and take a break from your screen. If you want to try something new, check out the Taste of Home virtual cookbook, where you’ll find favorite recipes from CU Buff families to try on your own. 

Volunteer. Are you looking for ways to make a positive impact and stay involved? Check out the Volunteer Resource Center for a list of ways you can volunteer your time. Don’t have time to commit to a regular volunteer schedule? That’s okay! Many places have flexible scheduling options and drop-in opportunities. Take part in CU in the Community on Thursday to make paper cranes or consider making a blood donation to help hospitals in need. 

To find more events, visit the Student Events website and be sure to follow us on social media @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!