Summer is the season where things wind down and we can finally take a breath after a stressful year of homework and deadlines. This doesn’t, however, mean that you should stay in couch potato mode all summer. Here are some ways to be productive in the summer time.

1. Prepare for the next school year

Order your textbooks, do your readings and go ahead and stock up on any general school supplies you know you’ll need for next semester. That way you can enjoy your last few days of summer while everyone else is scrambling to get their lives together.

2. Learn new things

Since most people don’t take classes during the summer, it’s a good time to do some research on your own. Pick up some books at your local library on a topic that interests you. Learn a new language (which looks fantastic on a resume). Learn about things that you like, whether it's related to your major or not, while you have time. Also, it is a good time to learn how to cook if you haven’t bothered to figure it out yet.

3. Clean up your social media

Sooner or later you’ll be looking for a job so now is the time to take down any pictures or posts that could cause you to lose a great opportunity later on. Having pictures of you drinking and partying on your Facebook or posts calling other people names on Twitter is not going to impress possible future employers. It is also a great time to update your LinkedIn and resume.

4. Make some cash

Now that you have a little free time you can start making some money. Everything from getting a summer job or internship to cleaning out your closet and selling some of your clothes online helps. You’ll be glad to have some spending money once school starts back up. Also, work experience shows employers you can commit to a job and will also get you used to having one.

5. Start working toward your future

Job shadowing is a great way to get to know how a company works and to learn about a career that you are interested in.

6. Take some time to yourself

Finals left you a wreck and now it’s time to take a break. De-stress by taking a yoga class or learning how to play an instrument. Even doing little things like taking a relaxing bath, catching up on a show or planting some plants in the yard can make a positive difference when it comes to your mental health.

7. Get involved in your community

Joining local organizations, especially related to what you want to do, is a great way to network and to add to your resume. Another way is to volunteer at a charity that means something to you, which connects you to your community and gives you the personal satisfaction of helping someone else out.

8. Save some time to check items off your bucket list

Do some things you always wanted to do. Go see your favorite band or try that new food trend. Start writing that book that has been in the back of your mind or take a road trip with your best friends. Summer is definitely the season to try new things.