Instead of Buying that New Outfit...

When the regular hustle and bustle of life shut down, with public spaces closing, operation hours shortening, and the range of options to fill our time shrunk, I found myself going to Target more.

If I wanted to go get some air, get out of the apartment, or feel like I went and did something outside of my space it felt like it was either get food or go shop.

In an effort to combat this and other pandemic-era poor habits formed, here is a personal list of things to do more so I do these other things less.

1. Instead of shopping for a new outfit...

Grab the family, your partner, or some friends and have a dye party. Instead of throwing out old outfits, and buying new pieces, create your own at home! This fights boredom and is a new take on spring cleaning. Rather than outing the old, welcome the new by following steps to bleach and color your clothes!

My boyfriend has found that he really loves the process of bleaching, and then dyeing clothes a new color. I, on the other hand, am here for the outcome! Creating a matching set out of a top and sweatpants that came from different retailers is so trendy and fun. It saves money while also saving an outfit from being apart of the millions of tons of textiles that go to waste in the U.S. .

2. Instead of throwing every cold brew bottle away...

If there is a drink or consumable you frequently buy, that comes in a plastic or glass bottle, try repurposing those bottles! If you do not recycle your plastic and glass, maybe repurpose these items for vases, drinking glasses, or art projects!

Some of my favorite drinks to get are Siggi's probiotic yogurt, Starbucks cold brew bottles, and kombucha bottles! These glass containers make funky planters, flower vases, olive oil bottles, or just art pieces for the home.

I put them in the wash with the rest of my dishes, and then use them for whatever creative idea I can think of!

3. Instead of buying the pre-made option...

It can feel nice to make-your-own instead of buying the pre-made option. Sometimes, I even just have fun trying to put things together to make some good food. My favorite thing to make with random ingredients are at-home street tacos. Sometimes I use frozen grilled chicken, sautée mushrooms and onions, add black beans and corn, and then of course sour cream and salsa!

If you have ever tried Chick-fil-A's avocado lime ranch, you know how good it is. I got the idea to recreate it at home for sandwiches and as a dip for veggies. I just add slightly mashed avocado to a small amount of ranch and then top off with a squeeze of lime. It is super refreshing and instantly makes sandwiches fresher!

Instead of buying a frozen pizza, I tried making my own non-dairy pizza from oven-ready crust and pizza sauce. It is fun to customize the pizza at home, while also making the house smell yummy!

4. Instead of taking the car...

If you own a bike or skates, try reducing carbon emissions by taking your leg-powered wheels on your next outing! This is such a fun way to shake up the day. If you live with friends or family, make a date out of it. Biking with friends is fun, safer, and can be a great way to get group exercise. If you are able, biking can be a great alternative to making a small trip in the car.

There is lots of research out there proving how biking or walking can improve sleep patterns, overall health, and daily happiness! Not to mention it helps keep our air and earth green and clean!

These four tips are small ways you can improve your spring experience!

As the weather warms up for us, and consequently relieves our seasonal depression, allow small healthier habits to boost your happy chemicals even more.

After all, what is spring about if not new beginnings?