- By Sarah Smerko, Features Editor -
The first several days of winter break are glorious: sleeping in, wearing pajamas all day; endless Netflix. But then that moment of shame comes when Netflix asks “Are you still watching?”, and you realize you have dried Cheeto dust on your laptop and you see your unbrushed hair in the reflection of your laptop and decide that it is time to get off of the couch. If you get bored of watching TV (there is such a thing has too much Netflix!), try one of these winter break activities!
Read for fun
We do so much academic reading for class that it is easy to forget what reading for pleasure is like! I currently have several unread books on my shelf collecting dust that I am excited to dig in to over break. Check out your local public library or used book store for free or cheap new reads. (Or ask family members for a gift card to your favorite bookstore for the holidays).
Get in shape
It can be tempting to sit around and watch the 25 Days of Christmas while eating holiday treats, but if that’s all you do over break, you won’t be able to get off the couch. I plan to eat my fair share of Christmas cookies AND get back in the swing of running-it’s all about balance! I’m still mooching off of my family’s YMCA membership, but there’s still ways to exercise without a gym membership. Just lace up a pair of running shoes and get outside!
Get a head start on spring cleaning
I like to clean out my closet every season and put together a bag of clothes to donate to Good Will or Bargain Box. If you don’t wear that shirt from tenth grade in the back of your closet, go ahead and donate it so someone else can get some good use out of it. A good closet-cleaning makes room for new clothes.
Learn to cook
I’m personally sick of my five go-to dinner recipes, but it’s hard to find time during my busy school week to teach myself a new recipe. I plan on scouring mom’s cookbook collection for some new ideas over break.
Do something creative
You don’t have to be an artist to pick up some colored pencils or crayons and a coloring book. Or maybe you have always wanted to learn how to knit! Winter break is a great time to de-stress from a busy semester with some relaxing, creative activities like coloring, painting, drawing, or crafting.
When I get bored of binge-watching Parks and Recreation, you will find me doing one of these relaxing and fun activities! Who knows, maybe you will pick up a new skill or hobby to carry into 2018!