1. Exercise

Exercise is something doctors tell us we should be doing on an almost daily but definitely weekly basis. Yet, when you are juggling studies, extracurriculars, and projects, it can be hard to find time to visit the gym. So, at the beginning of summer, you have the brilliant idea of getting a gym membership then find yourself not really hitting up the gym. Tired. No motivation. The environment isn't for you. There are other ways you can get your body active.

Turn on some music and just start dancing. It's an easy and fun way to get in some cardio for the day. Make up your moves as you go, or learn the choreography from your favorite music videos. If there is none, create the steps and maybe invite friends over to help you. If you are not kinesthetically inclined towards coordinated dance improvisation, pull up YouTube and do a few dances from the game Just Dance (assuming you don't already own it.)

Talking about YouTube, there are hundreds of channels that offer exercise routines that you can do regularly anywhere from five minutes to an hour. Options span from belly dancing and pilates all the way to hip hop and strength training. There are many ways you can get active without having to leave your home. Pull out a yoga mat or pull on your gym shorts and get moving.

2. Music

Learning to play an instrument has shown to have positive effects on the brain, some saying it's akin to getting a full brain workout. Summer break seems to be the best time to hunker down and learn to make music. Many people like to take on instruments like pianos, violins/violas, and guitars which is all fine and dandy, but if you don't own those instruments, they can be expensive to purchase. Also, these instruments require intensive practice which works for some people. However, other people need something less demanding or more portable.

There are some instruments that can work as great beginning instruments, a way of building up your discipline and commitment without costing too much. Have you tried taking on a ukulele or harmonica? They are easy to carry around, and there are instructionals and sheet music are all across the Internet.

3. Language

Learning another language is good for the brain, and it opens up many opportunities in your personal and professional life. It is a fun experience, but it also requires dedication which is a good way to fill your days and make yourself productive.

It's a question of what language or languages you want to learn. If you are particular to the more conventional languages like Spanish, Mandarin, French, Japanese, etc., there are many online resources that can aid in this endeavour. You can use apps like DuoLingo which increases in difficulty as you progress in the language. There are videos and guides on YouTube, and also, in general, videos that are in your target language which would allow your ears to be tuned for the sound of the language. Look for books in the language at your local library or read articles online in it.

You can also choose to learn languages that aren't normally mainstream but can have their own hidden benefits. Learn a sign language like American Sign Language. You can communicate with your hands and connect with members of the deaf community, and it is fun to learn with others. Get your friends involved. Learn an extinct or revived language that will open you up to older texts and the cultures around them. There is Latin, Old Icelandic, Irish Gaelic, Old English, etc. The unconventionality can be intriguing.

If you really want to have a bit of fun, learn a manufactured or fictional language. Esperanto, Klingon, and High Valyrian are all offered on DuoLingo.

4. Travel

Travelling doesn't have to be to another country or even another state. Sometimes, it's simply seeing and doing something new. Take a different route to your destination. It opens you up to new experiences. You might see businesses and activities in your area that you didn't know were there. You can hop in a car or jump on the train with friends and just go to a new city or town and explore. Planes are not necessary.

5. Miscellaneous

Learn a new skill. There are resources all around. Learn chess. Join Chess Academy or attend chess gatherings. Pick up Sudoku or learn to juggle. Find anything that interests you and try your hand at it.

Go online or to the library and read anything. Try to focus on nonfiction books or articles and vary in the subject. Expanding your knowledge base can help in many aspects of your life because your perspective is shaped by what you know of the world, and decision making is limited by what you and the people with you know collectively.

Start a new streak. Try a Summer Photo Challenge with your friends where you take a daily picture of something that you've never noticed before in your area or that is weird or new. It teaches you to be more observant, and you can become more aware of your surroundings. Whatever skill you want to improve, do it daily. Write, draw, etc., and start an accountability system.

There are so many ways you can make the most of the free-ish time you have. You can do anything in between summer jobs and friend hangouts. It is as simple as accessing the Internet or visiting a library. These are but a few suggestions, and you should always keep looking. Create a summer that is productive and fulfilling for you.