We’ve all been there- after the first week of school, you’re over it already. School can easily cause burn out, especially when you don’t take the time to exercise your brain in non-academic settings. You wish you had time to dive into your interests, but at the end of the day, you just don’t have the energy to focus on something else for hours. Thankfully, there are ways you can practice personal development that won’t drain you completely of your energy after a full day of school.
Podcasts
If you’re someone who prefers auditory activities, podcasts are a great way to learn some new information on your own time and at your own pace. With so many podcasts out there on a variety of subjects, you’re bound to find one that will fit your interests.
NPR is a fantastic resource and has podcasts that touch on topics from current events to social commentaries. One podcast on NPR is hosted by John and Hank Green titled Dear Hank and John. Another includes Code Switch, which looks into race as it affects our daily lives.
Finally, Josh Clark and Chuch Bryant host Stuff You Should Know on iHeartRADIO. This podcast has something for everyone, as each episode covers something unique, from the Rosetta Stone to the Moonwalk.
Books
Now don’t give up on this one just yet- reading books doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Whether it be a magazine, a cookbook, or a novel, reading for just 5-10 minutes a day can help you relieve your stress while improving your command of language. There’s a book for almost every topic you could imagine- so pick one you find interesting and get reading!
Exercise
Contrary to popular belief, exercise doesn’t have to be a grueling hour of sweat-inducing cardio. Take a few minutes in the morning or before bed to do some basic stretches or yoga. Make use of the breaks between online classes to get up out of your seat and walk around your room for a bit. Getting some movement during the day is important not only for your physical health but for your mental and emotional well-being too.
Educational Videos
With access to a computer and the internet, you can learn just about anything. There are countless platforms out there where you can watch educational videos on any topic you’re interested in. Crash Course and Khan Academy are free, reputable sources for those looking for informative and engaging lessons that won’t take forever to get through.
Online Courses
I get it- why would you want to do more school than you have to? Thankfully, there are platforms out there that have courses designed for busy students. Coursera has thousands of courses from a diverse group of universities. Each course varies in length and requirements. You are also able to complete each at your own pace. At the end of your course, you can purchase a certificate as proof of your completion.
Penmanship
Cleaning up your penmanship or trying out a new style are both good uses of time. Professional handwriting is always useful to have. With cursive becoming a dying art, being able to write in it will undoubtedly come in hand. Loops and Tails is a website that offers free worksheets that teach Spencerian script. All you need to get started is a paper and a pen.
The school year doesn’t have to be unproductive. By practicing just one of these forms of personal development, you’ll be one step further away from burnout and one step closer to healthy well-being. Good luck in the fall, and remember to take care of yourself!
Featured Image via Pixabay
