After a 7-hour school day spent wandering through cramped hallways and cramming your brain with endless math equations and confusing literary techniques, it’s completely understandable to want nothing more than to kick back and relax. Today, that often means throwing yourself into bed and doomscrolling until it’s time to fall asleep, only to repeat the whole cycle the next morning. However, that’s not the healthiest way to navigate life outside of school, so here are some stimulating and engaging activities that you can do with your time.
Exercise your brain with brain teasers
After school, you may need a break before or between homework assignments without losing the hardworking mindset. Any type of puzzle is a great way to stay engaged while taking time away from homework. Jigsaw puzzles allow you to practice detail examination and pattern recognition skills, helping to keep you relaxed without exhausting you. In addition to helping clear the mind, puzzles can also give you a feeling of accomplishment. There are many online puzzles like the New York Times’ Wordle, Strands, Letterbox and Connections. Brain teasers can help you develop better memory recall and expand your vocabulary, getting you away from homework to clear your mind.
Express yourself through art
Whether it be drawing your surroundings or making crocheted or knitted clothes, all forms of art provide a helpful break from school and give you a creative outlet after a day of analytical and critical thinking. Crocheting, knitting, sewing, drawing and other crafts are all approachable for beginners, and there are many online resources and physical art books to help you learn the basics or build on your current skills. There are also many artistic clubs that you can join like Art Club and Fashion Club, which can help you continue developing your skills.
Increase your heart rate while decreasing your screen time
Being active after school has been proven to help you think deeper and more clearly, leading to more motivation and energy for completing homework and chores. Exercising triggers a gradual release of dopamine, which in turn eases negative emotions. High school sports are a great way to get active after school — for most days of the week, sports teams practice together and compete against other schools, creating friendly competition and a consistent exercise schedule. If sports aren’t your thing, then there are plenty of workout programs you can find online, which can be completed with or without equipment. Additionally, Western Washington is home to countless remarkable hiking trails of all different difficulties, leaving much opportunity to get outside and get moving.
Explore the flavors of the culinary universe
The next time you feel like ordering fast food, you should instead find a recipe for your favorite appetizer, entree, specialty dish or dessert. You can find innovative and fun recipes in books like “The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs” and “The Super Easy Teen Cookbook,” along with nearly infinite recipes and ideas online. As the great Chef Gusteau from “Ratatoullie” once said, “anyone can cook” — including high school students. Beyond serving as a good time filler, cooking builds a vital life skill that will become paramount as high schoolers leave their childhood home and enter the world after graduation. Investing in cooked meals instead of takeout saves lots of money over time, so learning how to cook during high school is a great way to set yourself up for financial success before moving out. Not to mention, you’re sure to impress family and friends alike with your new culinary flair.
