5 Ways to Have a Productive Winter Break

Finally, the long-awaited month of break has arrived. If you are like me and hate feeling unproductive, this month will be a huge test on how you manage your free time. Here are 5 ways on how to stay productive during this long break:

1. Indulge in Productive Entertainment
While there’s nothing wrong with catching up on your shows, you don’t want to use up a chunk of your break stuck on your couch in front of the TV. Take a break from the shows and try to read up on some books. You don’t have to make it boring by sticking to non-fiction, explore the suspense and sci-fi section if you are looking for some extra excitement. (Check out Amazon’s list of the best books of 2011).

If you want to feel more productive, try watching some thought-provoking documentaries. For starters, check out this list of compiled documentaries that I have been making my way through during breaks. For double productivity points, ask your friends or family to join you while you watch.

2. Plan a Day Trip
If it’s difficult to plan a long trip this break, don’t lose hope! You can always make a day trip to somewhere close to your home. Try googling tourist attractions or points of interest, you’ll be surprised to find some new places to visit nearby. Just remember to check the weather forecast when planning your trip as it is the winter season!

3. Polish up your Resume
Though no none likes to have serious work to do during their break from college, you’ll thank me for this tip and the next one later. This is a good time to update your resume, especially if you are planning to apply for jobs or internships during spring or summer. And it’s best to get this work done before the busy school schedule takes over when classes resume!

4. Search and Apply for Summer Internships
If you want to secure a good summer internship for next year, this is the best time to start looking. If you find any positions you are interested in, remember to note important deadlines, especially if they fall in the next couple of months. If some applications require essays, you can start working on them during your free time this break.

5. Spend Time with Family
The one thing your family and dear friends will most likely not appreciate is if you sleep in most of the day and/or spend the rest of your waking hours in front of your TV or other electronic devices. This is the one productive thing everyone should try to commit to: spend time with your loved ones.

Some ideas: accompany them during their errands, play board games with the entire family and later, make some popcorn and enjoy family movies during these long winter nights. Remember, time spent with loved ones should never be considered a waste!What are your ideas for staying productive during break? Leave your tips in the comment section below.