The weekend. A time for going out and relieving stress from the long work or school week. Whether you work, attend school, or do both, an entire week can really tire you out. Maybe you have a boss you can’t stand or maybe you bombed that test that you studied hard for. Going out with friends can be a ball but you should know that you don’t have to go out every night on the weekend.

There’s plenty of alternatives to partying every night of the weekend. Now, I’m not saying anything is wrong with going out and taking shots with your friends. I enjoy dancing with my best friends and we love making fools of ourselves. But sometimes I want to change it up and stay in. Here are five alternatives to going out and taking handle pulls.

1. Girls Night

Spending time with friends is important and can help relieve your stress from a long week. Whether you guys go to the movies and stuff your faces with popcorn or stay in and order pizza, you’ll have a great time and laugh till your abs hurt.

2. Sleep

You need sleep. Period. I have pulled all-nighters during the week and felt like I was dying when the weekend finally came. If you are exhausted from working full-time or from staying up all night to finish an essay, think about staying in Friday night and sleeping in Saturday morning.

3. Study

There’s nothing wrong with staying in on a Friday night and studying. Grades are important and sometimes you need to stay in and get your work done. You can get cozy in sweatpants and eat your favorite snack while you study for an exam.

4. Exercise

It doesn’t matter if you go to the gym or you go shopping on Friday night just as long as you’re moving and boosting those endorphins. I have gotten sore from carrying shopping bags so I am almost positive it has the same effect as lifting weights.

5. Netflix

No, it’s not “Netflix and chill." It’s “Netflix and food." Maybe you need to catch up on your favorite TV show or you want to watch that new independent film that just got added. Grab some Ben and Jerry's, press play, and you’re set.

So, if you need a break from staying out until dawn and want to relax, try these out. You won't regret it.