By: Chhaya Néné (University of Miami)
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How many times this summer have you said, “I’m bored!?” We all have come to that point in the summer where we’ve hit the “Summer Slump.” It’s that time when you’ve been home for a while and school’s just around the corner but you don’t know what to do… well here are the top five things to do to avoid the “slump” and being a couch potato!
1. Water, Water Everywhere
Go to your local beach! The beach provides multiple activities like water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, surfing, parasailing and so much more! If you’re looking for something more wallet friendly, how about tanning? Or collecting shells? Building sandcastles? For all you who are landlocked why not head to your local pool? It’ll require less gas money and you can go as much as you want!
2. Go Green!
Do you prefer hiking? Or perhaps you like camping? Several national parks offer the ability for multiple activities like fishing, camping, hiking, stargazing, bird watching, salamander catching, or just solace from the daily grind. If you’re really interested in what the park has to offer, you can even take daily tours for more information.
3. A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words
Get crafty! This one won’t cost you a dime because… you have items around your house that you can use! Find popsicle sticks, old pieces of wood, paint, paper, scissors, glue, pictures of family or friends, cardboard boxes, anything you think you can use and put it together! This is a great way to make homemade gifts and pass a bunch of time! So the next time you’re bored you can paint a great picture, make some jewelry, make a memory box…AND you’ll end up brightening up someone else’s day too!
4. To the Cinemas!
Movies are always a way to get out of the house and meet up with friends! Some towns even have good old fashioned drive-ins which provide two movies for the price of one! If you don’t want to spend a night out, go to your local Blockbuster rent a bunch of movies, get the popcorn and settle in for a movie marathon! You’ll have a good time, and not to mention it’ll take time!
5. To Shop or Not to Shop, that is the Question!
With school around the corner it’s time for new clothes! Shopping is a serious art. For the latest fashions check out Vogue, GQ, Elle, Glamour, or Men’s Fashion, you can find all of these styles at Marshall’s, Target, Ross Dress for Less, Plato’s Closet, or even the Salvation Army… you save money and you’re in style! And if you don’t want to shop, window shopping is always a good alternative!
Whether you like the beach, hiking, arts and crafts, movies, or shopping there is something to do. It’s up to you, so turn off the television, put on your shoes, and beat the “Summer Slump!”