To some, it’s Spring Break. To others, it’s Reading Week. Whatever you call it, if you’re not going on a cool vacation, finding a good way to spend it can be tricky.

Take note: the following activities are not necessarily limited to Spring Break. This may be the case as your Spring Break may be over, since different schools have their own schedules and whatnot. They’re appropriate for whenever you have a significant amount of free time.

Become the very best (well, try)

Always wanted to learn how to do the perfect smokey eye? Can’t quite get the hang of a barre chord? Still learning how to do a handstand? Whatever the talent, Spring Break gives you plenty of time to hone your skills and possibly master one of them. Practice makes progress, and you never know when you’ll need a badass roundhouse kick.

Drag your friends outside

Make the most of your free time and the weather you’ve been given. Faced with snow and negative temperatures? Bundle up and go tobogganing! Rent some skates and try out the public rink! Re-enact Frozen and build a snowman! If you’re lucky enough to have warmer weather, go on a hike or grab your bike.

Hit the books… again

Whether you do all your work in two days or do a little bit every day, Reading Week is the perfect opportunity to catch up on your readings and general school work. As a bonus, try reading ahead. It’ll make you less stressed when it’s time to get back to class.

Go on a treasure hunt

Drive around for the best used bookstore in town, or try that small, family-owned greasy spoon down the street. You never know, your new favourite haunt could be waiting for you to discover it.

Seize the day (and road)

Just because you’re not going on an exotic vacation, doesn’t mean you can’t go anywhere! Plan a day trip with your pals or your family to a tourist destination outside of town.

Dive into your TBR and TBW piles

With so many amazing books and shows out nowadays, it can be hard to keep up with them all. Take this week by the horns and read all those books you’ve been meaning to read. Get caught up on your favourite TV shows (FYI House of Cards is back today!)

Entertain yourself

There’s always some kind of performance going on! See if there are any cool concerts in town during the break, or take your mom to the theatre to see her favourite play. You can also go to the movies to meet your monthly quota of buttered popcorn consumption. Mmmm, popcorn.

Get it done!

If your room is a disaster zone, clean it. If half of your wardrobe doesn’t fit or suit you anymore, purge that pile and donate your clothes to charity. If your toilet broke two weeks ago, then now is the time to get it fixed. If you’re looking for a job, update your resume and start looking for positions. Whatever the task, a week’s break is plenty of time to finish what you’ve been meaning to start. Blast some music, maybe invite some friends over to help, and get to work! Making a party out of it makes the task seem less daunting. As long as you actually get work done, of course.

Do good, volunteer

If all else fails, donate your time to your charity of choice. Get involved with the community and spend a day making someone else’s day. It’s a lot better than laying around the house, doing absolutely nothing. If you really need personal incentive, volunteer work always looks good on your resume, especially if you’re looking for a summer job. Speaking of which, might be a good time to apply for some summer jobs while you have the time.

Sit back and relax

If these past few weeks have been stressful for you, then now’s the time to recuperate. Sleep in until 3 p.m. if you must, or soak in a bubble bath until your skin wrinkles. You can also get a massage, get your nails done, or spend a day re-watching your favourite childhood movies. If it relaxes you, do it. You’ll need to be energized to take on the rest of the semester.

Have anything fun planned for your break? Have you been inspired to make the most of it? Leave a comment and let me know!