Spring Break is upon us and many college students will flood the beaches for a wild week.

What if we did something different… something that would actually benefit us? What if we took this simple challenge: to be a better you?

Are you ready to take the challenge with me? Here are 10 ways to help get you started:

1. Spend time with others.

We all know how busy college can be and often relationships with others can be pushed to the side when we’re spending all of our time writing papers, studying and working on group projects. Use this week to meet up with your friends, catch up with your old coworkers, visit your past teachers and spend quality time with your parents, siblings and grandparents.

2. Read a book.

Reading textbook after textbook seems to consume most of our energy while at school. Remember when you used to read because you wanted to? Turn off the television and dive into a whole different world with a book you’ve been waiting forever to read.

3. Better your community.

Selflessly give a portion of your time and energy to better the people and organizations in your community. Make tie-blankets for Project Linus, bake treats of appreciation for local police officers and fire fighters, serve at a soup kitchen, donate blood, play games with the elderly at a nursing home or visit with children in the hospital.

4. Learn a new skill.

Utilize the time off from learning new classroom concepts and learn new skills. Teach yourself how to sew or crochet, play a musical instrument, use a photo editing software or write calligraphy.

5. Do something crazy.

I’m not talking about the kind of crazy that is typically associated with Spring Break. I am, however, referring to stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something that will challenge your thinking and allow you to experience new growth.

6. Go on a day road trip.

Grab a friend, family member or both and hit the road for a trip to a somewhat famous, local place on the map. Breathe in the scenery and simplicity of a mini road trip while making memories with people you care about.

7. Enjoy the sunshine.

Winter has lasted for far too long. Spring is coming and the temperatures are rising. The summer heat and humidity will be here before we know it so enjoy the wonderful weather while it is beautiful and bearable! Take walks, go to the park, ride your bicycle and be energized by the warmth of the outside world.

8. Move past the past.

I get it – it is easier to bury the hurt, bitterness and anger rather than bring it to the surface and deal with it. Now is the time to deal with those negative feelings and release them from your life so you have more room to grow. Heal the brokenness, forgive others and forgive yourself.

9. Grow closer to God.

Your relationship with your Father needs to be invested in, nurtured and developed. Spend time in solitude with Him, have a conversation with Him and grow closer to Him. Light a fire in your soul that wants and needs to know Him more and then start meeting that need. You can never invest too much in your relationship with God.

10. Invest in yourself.

Out of all ways you can spend Spring Break, investing in yourself ranks among the most important. Busyness and stress can weigh one down physically, emotionally and spiritually. Take this break to care for yourself. Grow in your self-confidence and determination. Discover the many qualities that make you you and don’t forget to love yourself for those amazing qualities.

This Spring Break, be challenged to be a better you.