With summer vacation approaching, I'm sure it's on the mind of many how to spend it. This is of course a great distraction from all the pain and suffering you're about to endure with finals and end of semester projects approaching. I'm with you on that pain. But of course, there's summer to look forward to. Here are six possible ways to spend your much earned summer vacation:

1. Netflix binge-watching, all day, every day.

Summer is the perfect time to catch up on all those shows you've been meaning to watch or start on new ones. You can tell people you're doing marathons, they just don't have to know the technicalities. Netflix also adds new shows and movies every month so there's always something new to tune in on. But a vast selection already exists on Netflix so I doubt you'll be running out of shows and movies any time soon. Happy binge-watching!

2. Classes

If you're one of those who decided to take summer classes, I feel for you; but honestly I did the same. Hopefully you are taking online summer classes so that you can still be relaxing poolside while doing your work. If you're doing classes on campus, kudos to you. I wish you the best of luck. Either way, you're getting further in your education and closer to finishing your degree.

3. Travel (if you have the money).

I think that if there's something that's on everybody's bucket list, it's traveling. There's an entire world out there, and our curiosity of other places fuels our desire to go explore. Of course, this is also a very costly endeavor, but if you have the money to do so, what's stopping you? It's a great way to spend your free time during summer vacation and get to know the world around you, outside of your hometown.

4. Hobbies you wish you had time for during the academic year.

Have you ever said to yourself during the school year, "Oh, I wish I had time to ____"? Well summer vacation is the perfect time to spend your free moments doing activities you wish you had time for during the academic year. I know that I love to spend time reading and sketching, something that I have absolutely no time to do while school is in session.

5. Learn that extra skill you've been wanting to pick up.

Has there been a skill you've been wanting to learn lately? Maybe it's how to play an instrument, learn a new language, or how to cook. Whatever it may be, you have time for it during summer break. Of course, you might have the ambition to do so at first, and then end up dropping the idea, but it doesn't hurt to try if you really want to learn. You have the time. But yes, doing nothing does seem oh so much more tempting. I understand. Trust me.

6. Work

Oh summer jobs or regular jobs that spill over into summer time. Got to make that money, right? And you definitely have the time to get those extra hours in. Maybe you're doing something fun, maybe not, but either way that job money is going to fund something that you need. Maybe your friends can visit you at work to make things a little more entertaining.

For some, your summer might be a mixture of all of these; and that's great. Balance is key. Hope you have an enjoyable summer break, because you all deserve it.