There is still time before the new school year begins, and you must be taking advantage of this well-deserved break. You could spend this time playing smartphone games or looking through social media, but there is also much to keep you studying while having fun. Here are five methods to keep your mind whirling while getting ready for the new school year.
1. Workout
The link between physical activity, mental balance, and the ability to enjoy life has been understood since the time of the Ancient Greeks, when Thales (624-548 BC) asked, “What man is happy?” He who possesses a sound body, a sharp mind, and a submissive demeanor.” Did you know that historians consider Thales to be the Father of Science? Maintaining a healthy level of physical activity improves not only your mood but also your mental functioning, making you happier and more driven. One of the best things about exercising is that you have so many alternatives depending on your preferences: you can go for long walks or slow jogs, ride a bike, or swim. If you’re a quiet person, you can do activities alone, or with friends and family. You can also enjoy sports with your friends and family, such as badminton, basketball, and bowling. Get out of the home and into the sun by doing whatever appears most enjoyable to you.
2. Go to a bookstore or a library.
If you don’t want to worry about school, take your time and stroll up and down the aisles, picking out the books or titles that grab your interest. It’s fine to skip the stationery and assessment books areas if you don’t want to think about it. You might discover a new author or genre that you would not have discovered otherwise, which offers up new ideas, universes, and views. If stories aren’t your thing, head over to the non-fiction section and pick a subject that interests you and that you’d like to learn more about. Some of these books may be too advanced for you, so don’t be afraid to seek assistance from your parents, TLL teachers, or the library in selecting more age-appropriate works. Reading does not have to be limited to textbooks, and learning does not have to be limited to what is taught in school.
3. View documentaries or instructional films.
In a similar spirit, you can use internet libraries such as YouTube or streaming services like Netflix to discover new content. These internet platforms are also knowledge repositories, among other things. For example, David Attenborough’s documentaries on the impact of global warming on nature or the history of samurai in Japan’s turbulent Warring States (Sengoku) period could provide further information. Your parents may object to you spending so much time viewing YouTube videos or Netflix in general, but if you can persuade them that you are doing it for educational purposes, they will be much more accommodating. Even better, have a discussion with them about what you should be viewing!
4. Participate in a community service project.
The holidays are also an excellent time to learn more about the community organizations that care for various areas of our society because you will have more time to volunteer and make a meaningful impact. You can help keep our environment clean by volunteering with Trash Hero Singapore, or you can volunteer your culinary skills at Willing Hearts, a soup kitchen. Consider volunteering with the SPCA, Action for Singapore Dogs, or the Cat Welfare Society if you enjoy animals. Giving back to the community is always a good idea, and having a greater awareness of our town’s needs can also help you make better decisions as an adult citizen.
5. Take up a new activity or learn a new skill
Finally, having so much free time on your hands makes it ideal for picking up a new interest or skill. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint like a pro or whip up a culinary masterpiece. Perhaps you’d like to learn to rollerblade. All of these activities need a major time commitment to learn the ropes and begin to enjoy yourself, which may not be possible once school returns and your hectic schedule resumes. So consider what new things you’d like to explore, and put your ideas in motion.
Taking Learning to the Next Level Outside of the Classroom
It is completely possible to take a break from studying without losing sight of the fact that you are still learning. Beyond the classroom, there is a plethora of new experiences and knowledge waiting to be discovered. At SCC, we take pride in assisting our students in becoming self-directed, multi-dimensional learners who map their own learning paths.
