Month: July 2018

Make Time To Explore The Arts

The arts are an important part of a comprehensive education, but have been pushed to the back-burner all too often in recent years. Typical school curriculums are often packed with “core” academics, and the arts don’t always receive the attention they deserve. We at Meemli strongly recommend that all students (and adults too!) make the time to explore the arts whenever they can carve out some time – it helps us be better-rounded people!

Participation in the arts comes with a host of benefits as it improves critical thinking and can lead to higher achievement across other academic areas. In addition, University of Pennsylvania researchers found that neighborhoods can experience “spillover effects” and become more vibrant communities from better access to the arts.

Now that you’re convinced that sampling the arts is a smart thing to do – try it and you’ll find out it is fun too! Squeeze in something artsy every now and then, and during longer breaks like summer, make it a point to explore the arts in a little more depth – here are some recommendations to get you started!

Take A Class

There’s a lot of benefit to the structured approach, especially if you already know you’re interested in a specific art form and want to learn more. For some activities, you may have to take a class – pottery or glass-blowing for example require special equipment and someone to show you how to use them.  On the other hand, online classes work well for art you can explore on your own, like drawing or painting or even learning to play an instrument. There are plenty of options from the frequently fee-based platforms like Craftsy or Skillshare, to the many free how-to videos on YouTube – you can find a course (or source) that best suits your interests, time and budget.

Go To A Live Show

Countless studies have shown that young people would rather spend money on experiences rather than fancy things. If that sounds like you, consider grabbing some friends and seeing a local performance like a play, dance show, or even a concert. Many community-based shows are free and are a good way to sample the fare. Follow the artists you like on social media, and you may luck into a free show! Bandsintown is another useful resource for check out artists playing near you – you can even connect the app to your music streaming service so it can recommend local shows to you. However you find your shows, grab some tickets and support your local artists!

View An Exhibit 

If you’re exploring the visual arts, check out a local museum or gallery. Museums typically have free days and/or discounted rates for locals, so research your trip in advance to take advantage of everything your local museums have to offer. They also hold interactive workshops or events (especially in the summer), so you can even try your own hand at the arts. And the art is not always indoors – there are tours to view “street art” from sidewalk sculptures to over-sized murals, which are often fun to check out with friends and family.

Do It Yourself 

Learn by doing and take the arts into your own hands, literally! Try some DIY projects to get creative – like making a movie (check out some ideas here). Finding a creative outlet is great for stress relief, you might even discover a new passion. You could also try volunteering for an organization that supports the art in your community, where you can meet likeminded individuals and maybe even local artists. At a minimum, you’ll have fun expressing your creativity and getting to know some artsy people!

However you choose to explore the arts,, we can guarantee you’ll have fun doing it, and gather all kinds of other benefits along the way. We’ll get you started in exploring the arts with this cool dance video – maybe you’ll get inspired to make one of your own!

 

Summer Staycation: Having Fun Close To Home

(Parents and just about anyone can use these tips for staycations too!)

To paraphrase the great thinkers Phineas and Ferb, it can be hard to come up with enough fun things to do to fill your summer. Summer programs and classes, work commitments (for you or your parents) and the higher travel costs might make it difficult to do an extended getaway. But relaxation is an important part of any summer break, as we’ve written about here and travel does broaden the mind. Use our tips below so your summer staycation can give you the break you need as well as freshen your perspective.

 

Head Into The Wild

No matter where you live, nature is within reach. Hit the road and explore your local wilderness! Whether you want to feel that sense of accomplishment from climbing a mountain trail, or just want to spend the day relaxing on the beach after a hard week, heading out into nature is a great way explore your area. Additionally, spending some time outdoors comes with a host of mental and physical benefits (check out this National Geographic article for details).

But you don’t have to go to the top destination sites like Grand Canyon or Yosemite: local state parks and national wilderness areas boast some of the most spectacular views and impressive natural wonders in the country, and are frequently even cheaper to visit, especially if they are close to home. If you have a couple of days at your disposal, look into reserving a campsite for a more immersive weekend getaway. So grab some friends and look up the best local spots so you can break out the s’mores this weekend!

Embrace Your Inner Tourist

The majority of Americans now live in or near a big city, so you likely do too. The next time you get a day off, head into the city and check out some of your town’s most iconic spots and shops! If it’s too hot (or rainy) to sightsee, check out your local art, history, or science museums for a fun indoor activity. Even local schools and universities can have cool collections and events that are often free to the public. Look online to find out their student pricing, free admission days, and event schedules. Speaking of events, check ahead of time and see what’s going on near you. Cities frequently put on festivals, fairs, concert series, movie nights, and other unique events, so look online and plan your trip in advance around something fun. Also, don’t forget to take plenty of snack breaks while you’re exploring, and indulge in some delicious and insta-worthy local cuisine!

Take The Road Less Traveled 

But what if you’ve already been to all these places? Or what if the touristy spots are too crowded or expensive? No problem. Check out Atlas Obscura’s website. Atlas Obscura is an open-source guide to the hidden side of cities everywhere. Locals from cities all around the world are able to post and compile their favorite places and activities that are a bit off the beaten path. The site has sections on attractions, events, and food to make sure that you never run out of things to do and try. Choose a place or two that interests you, or maybe even pick a random number and see where it takes you!

Alternately, just ask the locals! Most people, even the barista at the local coffee shop, would be happy to share how they like to spend their weekends around town. Text some friends, pick a day, and head out into parts unknown for a real adventure.

It’s critical to take a break from your usual routine and carve out some time during your summer to relax and explore. And doing it with friends and family makes it even more enjoyable. Make a plan, gather your group, queue up your favorite summer playlist, and start your Summer Staycation! Here are a couple of songs to get that playlist started Feels like summer and Talk – what’s your favorite song of summer?