Spring is here and it is time to snap out of that winter funk you may have caught the last couple months. School is nearing its end and the sun is shining, so what better time to make a few lifestyle changes for the best? Here are some easy tips to help you this spring!

Get outside- Scientific evidence shows that depression increases when there is less sunlight (during wintertime). Well, the sun is outside so there is no excuse to stay in. Get off your Xbox, get off Facebook and go enjoy the outdoors. Sunlight is a natural anti-depressant. Choose anything from running, tossing a Frisbee around, laying outside and reading, playing sports or walking your dog.

Eat Green- Didn’t stick to that “eat healthy” resolution you made on New Years? No big deal. Spring is a perfect time to make some quick and easy changes to your diet. It is all about finding alternatives. Instead of grabbing that 16oz Caramel Latte, pick up a fruit smoothie instead. Instead of picking up that chocolate bar, grab some fresh fruit. Spring is all about fruit. Strawberries, mangoes, pineapples, and oranges are especially beneficial. Last but not least, check out the Brookings Farmer’s Market. They have lots of fresh vegetables, meat and fruit.

De-clutter- It wouldn’t be spring without spring cleaning. A lot of people don’t like long cleaning sessions so instead of doing it all at once, pick different sections of your dorm, house or apartment to clean up and do one each weekend. Go through your drawers and throw out old papers and junk. Go through your closet and pick out the clothes you don’t wear anymore and make room for spring clothing. Have a kitchen? Go through your pantry and fridge and clean out what you don’t need anymore. Other areas that are great to clean up are your desktop, your e-mail and your car.

(Photo by ReAnn Arcand)

Don’t be deceived by the title Naked Dating, because it does not literally mean dating in the nude. It focuses instead on stripping yourself of your insecurities if faced with rejection in the dating game and finding happiness in yourself instead of being hurt.

Cohen explained his mission is about finding a date completely sober or making your current relationship even better, as well as, with “100 percent certainty”, giving you the ability to meet lots of people. He began his journey developing Naked Dating after his first love broke up with him.

“How could someone experience such intense love but not know how it ever happened?” Cohen said.

Cohen’s expectations of the night did not fall short (minus the bowel movements, no one had the heart to ask the students). He continuously engaged the crowd by asking personal and blunt questions about students’ current relationship statuses, what they look for in a boyfriend or girlfriend, even getting as personal as asking when their last hook up was.

Cohen remained down-to-earth and covered a variety of topics relating to love, college, drinking, sex, and what could happen if you mix all of these things together.

Prior to telling the five steps of Naked Dating, Cohen pointed out some harsh, but in reality true points about dating, from “sharing our feelings is stupid” to “hooking up is easier than dating.”

The main part of his presentation was his explanation on how to date, whether it includes wearing a physical orimaginary thong to get rid of your insecurities or taking risks and participating in online-dating.

“I get frustrated. Your generation is the worst ever. So guarded [with] cellphones, Facebook, [and] all these buffers to stop us from facing the universal rejection,” Cohen said.

Along with his book coming out April 2012, there will be a website dedicated to the Naked Dating experiment.

“I challenge each and everyone of you to come on this journey with me. Participate in this Naked Dating experiment. Put yourself on this website, real picture, real interests, and go on it. We’ll have videos, forums, etc.,” Cohen said. “I cannot contain myself. Millions of people are going to find something great.”

McCrory Gardens offers a beautiful date location to experience Brookings' nature scene. (Photo by Kenzie Clayton)

Brookings may not be famous for its nightlife or have an abundance of places or activities, however, that shouldn’t stop you from taking advantage of the great things this little city can offer.
1. McCrory Gardens
Whether you are planning to have a picnic here or just taking your date out for stroll, McCrory Gardens is the place to go. With over 20 acres of flowers, trees, and shrubs, you are sure to impress your date with this display of natural beauty. There are numerous photo opportunities to create wonderful memories.
2. Taste of Europe
With its classy setting, Taste of Europe definitely makes for a romantic date location. Live piano music and a wide variety of European dishes really make this restaurant stand out. It’s located on Main Street and provides a great start to a wonderful date night.
3. Prairie Lanes Bowling
A generally overlooked date location is Prairie Lanes Bowling. It is a good place to go if you want to avoid the traditional “dinner and a movie” date. It’s decently priced and has the potential to produce lots of laughter.
4. BraVos
If you want a fancier dinner than McDonalds, but you don’t want to feel out of place in a t-shirt and jeans, then BraVos is a happy medium. Located right off campus at Sixth Street and Medary Avenue. It is popular for its pasta and wine, your date is sure to enjoy dinner here.
5. Century 14 Movie Theater
Sometimes, it is perfectly okay to be traditional when it comes to dating. Going to the movies is a cheap yet fun way to spend time with your date. Even if you have to go to Sioux Falls for a decent theater.
Combining multiple ideas is always great, too. How about going to a movie then star-gazing at McCrory Gardens? Or you could get all dressed up for an evening at Taste of Europe then head over for a few games of bowling as an interesting twist. Whatever you choose, be sure to make every date memorable.