With summer upon us, it can seem kind of daunting. Not taking a full course load, maybe not taking any courses. Working. Hanging out with friends. Catching up on sleep. But what about the time you have with nothing to do. Where you mindlessly scroll through Instagram or binge Netflix. Do something more constructive with your time and pick up a new hobby or activity that stimulates the brain and maybe even your body!
1. Painting
You can do this inside or out, rain or shine, sick or healthy, etc. You can easily pick up some cheap canvases or even use regular paper. Paints can be found at Hobby Lobby, Target, Walmart etc. Put on a show, a movie, or some jamming music and paint to your heart's content whatever comes to mind. Should you want a bit more of a structured approach, try taking a painting class or throw Bob Ross on the TV and paint along with him!
2. Take Up A New Form Of Exercise
Working out and keeping your body healthy is a great way to fill up some of your time. But why not try to find a new way to accomplish that rather than just going to the gym every day. You can always switch it up a bit by throwing in rock climbing, paddle boarding, rowing, hiking. All are great outdoor alternatives to get you some fresh air while still getting in a good workout in a fun and new way! All are relatively cheap if not free! Most hiking trails are public and paddle boarding and rowing can cost around $20 to rent gear. Rock climbing can be as cheap as $15 for gear and fees to climb in a gym.
3. Cooking/Baking
Maybe you're a terrible cook or baker. Maybe you're pretty good at it actually! Whatever your skill level, get in the kitchen and try out some new recipes! Maybe you make dishes from around the world and all kinds of various desserts. Throw in some vegan meals for fun or try your hand at homemade ice cream. Decorate cakes, make fried chicken. Open up Pinterest and find some interesting dishes. Work on your presentation and explore foods we don't normally cook with. Just have fun and create! The best part: You get to eat your work when you're done!
4. Read a Book
Now I sound like your mother, right? Read a book. Go to the library or Barnes and Noble to find a couple of books that pique the interest. Go through them at your own pace and enjoy being able to leisurely read a book, not a textbook with assigned readings. Try a genre you've never tried before, read an old favorite you haven't read in years. Choose one off the bestseller list and see what all the talk is about.
5. Develop Your Green Thumb
Whether you try your hand at a fully fledged garden or buy a couple of porch plants to water and take care of developing that green thumb of yours! Flowers, tomato plants, herb garden, etc. the options are endless. You can keep some in the house or outside the house. In the ground or in a pot. If you'd rather not have them at your house and your sole responsibility, then go to a community garden and help out there! They always appreciate volunteers.
Whatever it is you decide to do make sure you have fun and enjoy what it is. Try multiple things. Explore your options and ultimately do what makes you happy!
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