By Graham "GSM" Matthews The summer season has finally arrived! We wait all year round for this special time of year to arrive... and then we are left wondering what we should do during the time off. As we enter the marvelous month of July, many people find that there is nothing to do with their free time, but that couldn't been farther from the truth. Here, I'll provide six different productive things you can do with your free time this summer season. 1. Relax One would think that this is the most obvious option of all, and it's also the easier. Most people are burned out from working their tails off 24/7 from September to June. If you're still in school, then you're probably thankful you finally have an extended amount of time off from papers and projects. If you're a working adult, then you're probably still at work during the summer season, but still be sure to use your time off wisely. When I say to relax, I don't mean sit on your couch all day staring at a blank wall. Well, I guess you could do that, but it wouldn't be all that entertaining. Instead, find something you love doing and... well, do it. Whether it be watching a movie or reading a book, there are plenty of productive ways to relax without wasting time. 2. Work or Volunteer
After working for most of the year, I'm sure not many people will find this to be the go-to option on this list. However, it will be extremely beneficial in the long scheme of things. If you recently graduated high school and headed for college in the fall (like me), you'll probably need some money to spend while you're there. If you're not already work, then find a summer job that either you enjoy doing, get good money from or both! You don't have to be working every day, but work enough that it gives you something to do most days of the week. While the work might grow tiresome rather quickly, remember that the money you get from doing it is well worth it. If you don't need the money and just want to help out, why not volunteer and contribute to your society? There are plenty of places out there that need your help. Contribute to them and you'll feel good after helping out, too. 3. Prepare for the Fall If you're starting school or a new job in the fall, starting to prepare now will save you a bunch of time at the end of August. Rushing around is never fun and is quite stressful. Start planning ahead and you'll find yourself ready and relaxed by the time September comes. You don't even have to start preparing all at once. Do a little week by week and by the time September arrives, you'll be all set and you can enjoy what time you have time of your summer vacation. The old saying "Learn from the past, live in the present and look forward to the future" can definitely be applied here. 4. Go on Vacation If you're bored out of you mind at home everyday, why not go out and explore the world? I can imagine the daily routine of sleeping in, waking up, eating breakfast and doing nothing all day can get painfully boring after awhile. If you have some money saved up, go on vacation! It doesn't even need to be anywhere fancy. Sure, we would all love to travel to Europe or Australia (I've been both places and they're fantastic), but just going out of town for a few days is just as effective. Take a substantial amount of time off from work to go on vacation for as long as you think is necessary. Isn't there at least one place you've been dying to travel to all year long? Well, now is the perfect time to go, especially with the great, hot weather we're bound to have. A day-trip to a local amusement park or aquarium work also work well. 5. Sleep I can't even begin to tell you how many people I heard complain this past year about not getting enough sleep. I've never understood that, since if that was the case, why not go to bed earlier? The most popular excuse that I've seen people use for lack of concentration is that they didn't get enough sleep the night before. Of course, some people have their reasons. One kid might have to work at night and might be forced to go to bed at one in the morning, while another kid might go to bed late simply because they feel like it. Anyways, that excuse is long gone. Now that it is summer and you don't have to get up early as much as you used to, sleep in! Don't wake up until noon if you feel like it. I mean, it might throw off your eating schedule for the day, but that's another issue for another day. The summer allows you to stay up late and wake up late. Isn't it nice? I don't suggest you sleep all day, but get as much sleep as you need to get yourself ready for the rest of the day. 6. Spend Time with Family Most people easily forget about this one, especially those that work a lot and don't get to see their families as much as they would like to. Well, the summer season should solve that problem. If you're home, your family is home, and no one has anything to do, why not find something to do together? If could be something specific to you or something that the whole family will enjoy. Most teenagers may not want to spend their free time playing Uno with their siblings and parents, but trust me, a little family bonding time is good for everyone. This can be done by going on vacation (see above) or simply sitting home and watching a movie or playing a game together. If may not seem like anything to do, but another member of your family, whether it be your little sibling or loving parent, will greatly appreciate it. I'm sure there are many more ways you can spend your summer, but these are the most productive and popular options that came to mind. Nonetheless, I hope you spend your time wisely over the summer season and above all else, have fun. Thanks for reading and have a great summer vacation. |
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