Summer break is finally here and it’s the perfect time to do everything you wanted to do but didn’t have the time for before. While it is extremely important to take this period as an opportunity to spend more time with your family, take time for self-care and binge watch movies and shows, it is also equally important that you make the most out of your free time. Often it is easy to get overwhelmed about all the things you can/want to do, which is why we’re here to help you bust your boredom while still being productive.
How to get started– the planning
Making Routines & To-Do Lists -
Following a routine is crucial, especially when it comes to your sleeping, eating, workout and activity schedule. As tempting as binge watching your favorite show every day till 3am and waking up at noon might be, you’re probably only going to regret it later. Making a schedule/ to-do list and putting it down enables you to commit to it, thereby enabling you to make the most out of your day so that you have time to be productive and have fun too. This is something that instead of work, needs to be seen more like a way of life and inculcating discipline. That being said, it’s also important that you don’t have burn outs and overwork yourself, so it is good to set yourself free from this routine once a week/during the weekend.
What to do?
Most of us often find ourselves sighing from boredom for a large part of our summer break and not having the motivation to work or do anything productive. So, here’s a list of things/activities you can engage yourself in which will help you develop your skill set and personality while still enjoying.
Skills & academics -
- Learning a language is one of the best ways to pass time and its useful, fun and engaging too. Taking time to learn a language that is completely new to you gives you the drive to want to learn more. It is also a skill you can develop sitting at home. You can learn a language by taking classes and finding a tutor, using apps like Duolingo or using online learning portal platforms where you can browse and choose the course of your choice.
- Pursuing a hobby. Often, we get so caught up in work, projects and school assignments that we forget to explore our horizons and find things we might have talent and interest in. You can continue working on something you are already skilled in and try to master it or even take on a completely new hobby which can be anything from cooking, playing an instrument, art, dancing, calligraphy and hand lettering, a new sport, debating etc. you can find online courses, watch YouTube videos, take advice from your friends and relatives who are good at that hobby or even try your hand at and master cooking, calligraphy or debating using the articles on our website.
- Get ahead on your studies. While this may sound extremely boring and pointless right now, I promise you will be thankful for it later. Using this time to get started on your work ahead of time or reading a few chapters before the term is a great idea and surely will not hurt in the future. Doing this also means that you will later get time to engage in other clubs, societies, events and activities at school without missing out on much studies since you are already running ahead.
- Online courses. Using platforms and websites like Coursera, Udemy and EDX opens you up to a wide array of online courses surrounding thousands of topics. You can use these online courses to work on certain skills or even advance your academic knowledge. These sites also have courses on specified topic areas which you can study using the videos and reading material provided. Most of the times the courses available are free to learn and you can also obtain certificates on finishing the entire courses which adds to your resume/ CV too.
- If you’re in 10th/ 11th/ 12th grade then taking time to research about your subject of interest in higher studies, courses, careers, universities etc. is a great idea. Taking aptitude tests is also very helpful in this process. This research not only helps for your future studies, but it also helps you narrow down on what related activities/ extra courses/ summer school programs to enroll in. If you’re planning to give SATs, GMAT, APs or other tests required to study abroad, then this is also a great time to start preparation for that. There are several apps, websites like Magoosh and classes which can also provide for additional help if you’re planning to take the exam that same year
- To build up your resume and be validated and awarded for things you are skilled in, it is vital to be outgoing and take the initiative of registering yourself for competitions. There are several competitions that are taking place online for which there are set guidelines and you can submit your entries for various things like art work, dance videos, singing videos, playing an instrument, short plays, acting etc. There are also competitions that take place online-live like science fairs, debates, model UNs etc. You may also opt for academic based competitions like Olympiads and creative writing contests.
- Reading is undoubtedly one skill that everyone should develop. It not only helps to increase language fluency but also helps increase knowledge. So, use your free time to read a book of your choice, anything ranging from, mental health and self-care to murder mysteries to subject based books to sci-fi to humor. If you’re someone who’s new to reading and doesn’t enjoy it much, making a list of books you want to read and setting deadlines on when to finish each book by can also help you make sure to finish them. Confused about which book to read? Keep an eye out for the reviews column on our website and get recommendations on the ‘must read’ books.
Self-care -
Your free time is the best opportunity to work on your mental and physical health, try new things and upgrade the space around you
- Try a new hair care or skincare routine. So often we find ourselves caught up in the speed of life and work that we forget to focus on ourselves. Using your time to work on yourself enables you to try out new procedures, routines and styles for your skin or hair type.
- Cleaning, decluttering and rearranging your living space is extremely essential. Often our mind gets very monotonous sitting in the same space all day long so rearranging your furniture makes the area around you fresh. You can also use this time to deep clean your drawers, cupboards etc. and get rid of/ donate the things you haven’t used in a long time and probably won’t anytime soon too. Decluttering your digital space is a great idea as well. Getting rid of all the spam messages, photos, videos and files you have on your devices is extremely calming.
- Studies show that people who involve workouts/ sports/ physical exercise into their everyday life have much better mental health and live longer too. Zumba, yoga, cardio, running, going to the gym or simply even playing a sport, all contribute to a better mind space and physical health.
Experiences -
- Think of a small business idea. Amidst the pandemic, there are several small businesses that have come up and are flourishing today. Opening up a small business not only helps you share your talent with the world but also gives you the experience of founding your own company and managing it.
- Volunteer work. Giving back to society is more important today than ever before. Volunteering with NGOs or doing collection drives for economically weaker sections of society are just some of the many aspects of volunteer work one can cover. Using your personality and skills to help someone out not only helps them grow as individuals but also brings you an immense sense of happiness.
- Internships- Gaining work experience is something invaluable. Doing internships with organisations, especially ones relating to your subject of interest has proven to be very beneficial for students. It helps them adapt to a work environment, build their personal skills and teaches teamwork.
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