By taking a gap year, you’re exempt from the constraints and obligations of college. Every day is yours to spend as you see fit. But this is no time to laze around or go drinking every night. This will be your most important year yet, as the way you spend it will determine how you spend the years that follow.
Part time and seasonal work is always a solid option. It helps you meet new people, gain experience and earn a little bit of money along the way. However, you’ll likely still be left with a lot of free time. How you spend this time is up to you, but a balance of productive, self-improving activities and the occasional bit of fun is usually the best way to go.
Here’s how you can make the most of your downtime during your gap year, allowing you to work on improving yourself while also making some great memories.
Stay Active
High school physical education is no longer something you have to worry about. But the last thing you should look at this change as is an opportunity to stop exercise all together. If anything, working on building your physical health should be a priority in your gap year.
You’ll have a lot more time to do this in whichever way you please. Whether it be running, swimming, bodyweight training or hitting up the gym. With your extra free time, you can better track your progress and build a fitness plan that allows you to achieve those body goals you were too tired to work towards in high school.
Spend Time with Friends
Now that you’re able to build a social life that extends much further than the walls of your high school, it’s time to find a balance between personal life, family and friends. This means avoiding spending too much time pursuing a social life. A good way to do this is to ensure that when you are out with friends, you’re making the most of your time.
Make memories that you will actually remember and save the nights out for when it’s legal. Consider the occasional LAN party or movie marathon. Or, head out to a Greenville Escape Room and experience something truly memorable.
Known as Breakout Games, this outdoor game involves solving puzzles and cracking codes to escape a locked room. It’s a great way to bond with friends and perhaps even meet new ones.
Freelance Work
Depending on your knowledge and skills, the occasional bit of freelance work from the comfort of your own desk can be both fun and financially beneficial. There’s a lot to choose from, including programming, writing, design and even micro-tasks that the most inexperienced graduates can easily breeze through. Head to the internet and see what you can find for yourself.
By focusing on ensuring that you spend every minute as constructively as possible, your gap year can make a significant impact on your overall well being – mentally, physically and financially. You’ll learn a lot about real life and become adequately prepared for the real world.
