Christmas is over, and now, so is New Year's. The "grownups" are likely headed back to work and the "kids" are going back to school, which means one thing. You're home alone for the rest of break, with little to no responsibilities.
You could laze about all day, binging on "Friends" or burning through "Call of Duty." However, seeing as it's a new year, why not try to make good use of your time at home, and find some happiness or productivity? The following is a list of nine things you could do to give more meaning to your break.
1. Find a new hobby
Now, when I say a new hobby, this doesn't mean switching gaming systems or searching Tumblr instead of Pinterest. Genuinely, think of something you always wanted to learn, and try teaching yourself. Take up knitting or skateboarding.
2. Read a book
In a little while, you'll head back to school, and you'll be inundated with tons of required reading, which you may or may not do. You won't be able to actually enjoy a book in mid-February, but now is the perfect time.
Whether it be a classic like Jane Austen, or a childhood classic like "Harry Potter," or something completely new to you, pick something that you can maybe recommend to another.
3. Watch a documentary
For those of us who are too lazy to hold up the weight of a book or force our brain to put words together into a sentence, there's a slightly less brain-powered activity. The catch with this activity is that you must actively pay attention to the movie, which means watching the movie without Facebook open.
"Exit Through the Gift Shop" can always start some interesting conversations.
4. Get in touch with your natural side
Go outside and have an adventure in your own neighborhood. If you're among the population who has snow, make a snow creature (whether that be a snowman, snow angel, or something in between). If you're among those of us who don't have snow, make a mudpie or a whole new thing.
Be inspired by the wonderful Andy Goldsworthy.
5. Clean out your closet
We all know at this age, the likelihood of getting new clothes over break is exceptionally high, but why not try to offset the increase in wardrobe by increasing your closet space? Donate the old clothes to a homeless shelter to help out someone else.
6. Write a letter
In this day and age, communication is so instant, from texting to Snapchat, that it becomes very easy to get bogged down in constant small talk with your friends. Why not spend an hour writing a detailed letter to a faraway friend? Maybe a friend you don't talk to a lot or haven't talked to in awhile. Nothing is more exciting than opening the mailbox and seeing a letter addressed to you, is there? Why not give that excitement to one of your dear friends?
7. Cook dinner
After months of eating crappy food from the dining hall, you finally have the chance to eat yummy, edible food. For the last couple of weeks, your parents have been cooking up wonderful meals for you (or, at the least, free and digestible food). Sure, they're glad to cook for you, but why not surprise them with dinner when they come home from work? You'll finally have the opportunity to use the recipes you've been looking through on Pinterest.
Maybe agree with your parents, they cover the cost of ingredients and you do the cooking. Even if it doesn't turn out, your parents will likely be proud of your effort.
8. Play with your pets
When you're at school, there are few things that make you miss home more than the thought of your pets. But after the first few hours, you get annoyed with them and decide to remain safely out of reach of their sniffing noses and begging eyes. Why not give in to the whining just once? Take them on a jaunt outside, maybe throw a tennis ball a few times, or just rub their bellies just where they like it. Even just 30 minutes will make their day, and likely yours.
9. Lastly, be a kid. Dance.
With a house all to yourself, it tends to get a little quiet. Why not let your freak out and fill the place with music and laughter? There's no fear of looking foolish and plenty of room to spread out. Here's some inspiration to get your moves flowing:
Soon enough, these breaks, filled with freedom and possibility, will be a thing of the past. Consider this: When you look back, years from now, would you rather think fondly of the crazy things you did over break, or think about all the time you wasted scrolling through Facebook and sleeping? Whatever it may be, take some time this break to do something worthwhile. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but it does have to be worthy of your time.
