Free time is a weird thing to have. When we’re busy, we just want to relax, but once we actually have a pocket of free time, how are you supposed to decide what to do?! Being a college student, you are constantly surrounded by busy people. Those rare moments of free time a college student has can make someone feel lazy, bored, or unsuccessful, despite the infrequency of spare time.
When those empty moments arise, it’s important to enjoy them! Take time for yourself by spoiling yourself with a gratifying activity. Here are my 12 favorites:
1.Taking a long, warm, shower or bath. I love to dim the lights in the bathroom and play relaxing music and let myself enjoy the shower a little longer than usual! It’s totally rejuvenating!
2. Walking or jogging outside. We are so lucky to go to school in New Orleans where the weather stays warm most of the year. Take a walk in Audubon Park, down St. Charles, or just around campus! Getting outside will clear your mind.
3. Getting a cup of coffee. If you’re feeling a little crazy, you could even get a $6 latte.
4. Lying in the sun. If you’ve been studying a lot lately, chances are you’ve been inside a little too much. Give yourself some vitamin E and lay out by the pool.
5. Reading a good book. This does not include the novel for your English class or a 30-page article for your sociology class. Pick something up from the library or bookstore that you’ve been dying to read! (Suggestion – I just started Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling and I actually LOL by myself while reading it.)
6. Going to a yoga class. Or any type of group exercise class! These classes are a great way to meet new people and release those *~*~endorphins~*~*
7. Cleaning your room – or bathroom or kitchen or entire house. I find that once I start to clean my room, I can’t stop! It’s addicting and a great way to spend some time productively. ALSO – you’ll burn some calories without even realizing!
8. Calling your friends. Take your free time to call your best friend from high school who you keep forgetting to call.
9. Doodling and coloring. This is my new favorite. I’ve always loved to doodle, but I just got an “adult” coloring book and it is my favorite way to spend my time. Just one page can take hours!
10. Baking. Whether you start from scratch or buy Pillsbury cookie dough, your friends will thank you.
11. Giving yourself a mani/pedi. Set yourself up with yummy smelling lotions and pretty colors. Why pay for a manicure when you can do it yourself (while watching Netflix)?!
12. Going to museums/art galleries. In New Orleans, there is culture everywhere you turn. Take the streetcar to the World War II Museum, walk to an art gallery on Magazine St., or take a day trip to New Orleans Museum or Art with your girlfriends.
Obviously there’s always the option of Netflix in bed, but in case that ever gets boring, here’s a list of 183 things to do if none of these appeal to you:
http://elishagoldstein.com/assets/183-pleasurable-activities-to-choose-from.pdf