I’ll admit it. These last couple of weeks in summer have been relaxing, but maybe a little too relaxing. Like to the point of painful boredom. But there’s hope in the fact this is something we can put an end to, because there are remedies for us college students.

For the first couple of months, I was reveling in this free time. Being lazy and sleeping in were things that landed a big grin on my face. But now, as the hot days go by, I can’t help but think about how I want to go back to school so I can actually have things to do.

But this kind of thinking is not healthy, you guys. We need to be okay with where we are right now, even if we’re not at school. Good things come with every season. So to cure boredom this summer, we need to embrace key components this free time can offer us.

So below are several ways to cure your summer boredom and make the most out of these hot, relaxing months.

1. Hit the gym

Photo by Autumn Goodman on Unsplash

I’ll admit that I rarely use this phrase or actually take it seriously, but I want to. One of my resolutions (not New Years but just life in general) is to start taking care of my body, and by doing so, working out three days a week. By going to the gym, we are able to work on our health and give our bodies the care it needs. Waking up a little early three days a week and working out is a great way to feel refreshed and rejuvenated throughout your summer days. And, you feel accomplished, so what’s not to like?

2. Dive into your career

Photo by Jonathan Simcoe on Unsplash

I’m not exactly sure what I want to go into, so this is the perfect time to investigate different careers and even shadow some people in positions I’m interested in. So if you’re like me and still searching, I recommend emailing a few people of possible careers and seeing what a day in their life looks like.

If you know what you want to do, you can educate yourself more on how to succeed in that field. Either way, you won’t regret putting time into your career.

3. Hang with old friends

Photo by Clarisse Meyer on Unsplash

The summer is the perfect time to spend time with old, childhood buds. Going to plays, having bonfires, or grabbing breakfast are just a few great ways to invest in the friends that grew up with you and are still (thankfully) with you after all of your awkward years.

4. Go to the pool

Photo by Ryan Wilson on Unsplash

I’m a real advocate for the pool. And even though some might consider this boring, I find myself at bliss when I let the hot sun capture me in its presence. And living in Ohio, the sun isn’t as familiar with us as we’d like it to be, so I’m taking advantage of it while I can.

And even though the pool might not be considered the most productive thing to do, give yourself a pat on the back for leaving your couch and getting out of the house. I’m proud of you for taking this step.

Also, in no time, you’ll be taking rigorous classes and having all your free time soaked up by events and club meetings. In turn, you’ll be glad you took some time to relax.

5. Read a book

Couldn’t put this book down, furreal.

Yes, seriously. You can do this, and books aren’t as scary as they sound. Find some books that are about things you’re interested in, or even some fun reads. If you like thriller, I recommend The Woman in Cabin 10. If you’re looking for a heartfelt book, Present Over Perfect is perfect for you (and will give you a good cry. At least it did for me).

6. Get a job

Photo by Natalie Collins on Unsplash

If you don’t have a job by now, I highly suggest you get one. It’s amazing to know that you are contributing to society in some sort of way, whether it’s serving at a restaurant, becoming a camp counselor, or getting certified as a lifeguard. Also, you’ll be making money, and this is vital for a college student’s survival.

7. Prepare for the upcoming year

Summer is the perfect time to organize for the next school year. Whether you are a president of a club and want to brainstorm ways to improve, or you want to plan some school goals, this is the perfect time to do so. That way when August rolls around, you’ll be ready for what’s to come.

8. Go on a trip

Photo by Jason Blackeye on Unsplash

The summer is the perfect time to visit your friends you made at school. Along with this, you can go on a day trip with friends, whether it’s to an amusement park or a baseball game. Summer leaves you the time to get out of town and make some fun memories that will go in the books.

9. Rampage your closet

Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash

That’s right. Go through every nook and cranny, even the items you haven’t worn since your 7th grade canteen. And yes, don’t miss that atrocious freshman year homecoming dress you thought was uber cute at the time (what world were you living in? And praise God your fashion sense has changed.)

After you go through items, make some piles of what you want to throw away and what you want to give away. If you want to try to make money for what you’re giving away, that can be a good idea, but I highly suggest donating to a local charity. Yes, there’s no money rewarded, but you are giving to those who need it most. And that’s pretty darn priceless if you ask me.

10. Take up a hobby

Photo Credit by Steve Halama on Unsplash

Have you always wanted to learn photography, but never had the time to? Now is the perfect season to take some classes and add a new skill set. The same goes with other things, like learning an instrument. You might even find your new passion by taking a step and learning something new. Heck, maybe even start a website. It might not be such a bad decision (wink wink nudge nudge).

So friend, your boredom is not the end of the world. But it’s only going to get worse if you keep mindlessly looking for a new Netflix show to watch.

Instead, get off your bum, and do something productive. And yes, it is productive to go to the pool, so don’t feel guilty for that one.

And if you do the above and still find yourself aching for your old life at school, don’t fret. Just a few more months till backpacks and friendship and a whole lot of learning will be your everyday reality.

But until then, enjoy what this season has to offer. You may just find it’s not so bad after all.