JUST PUSH YOURSELF… (SUGGESTION – BROADEN YOUR HORIZON)
To learn a new skill or language or get started on a new hobby. When was the last time you tried doing something new? This is the right time to start doing things you always wanted to do. How about learning to swim? Or begin a new hobby such as quilling or creating scale models of cars using a new software? Allot time for your extracurricular activities and explore new avenues. How about learning Mandarin or creating your own jewellery? You will meet new people and make new friends. Your days will become more interesting and at the end of the year, you will realise you have accomplished something more than what you did last year.
SURPRISE, SURPRISE…
There is no joy like buying a suitable gift for your loved ones on their birthdays. But adding a personal touch to the gifts does make them really special. This year surprise them with a handmade greeting card with a handwritten letter expressing your thoughts, Think out of the box and put your art/craft skills to best use, Talking of letters, have you ever written a letter to your grandparents? You can’t imagine how much it could mean to them. They will treasure your letter forever.
BEYOND TALL TALK
We talk a lot about keeping the area clean and green. But when it comes to action, we do little to actually protect our environment. You could take one step at a time. Identify a plant in your school and neighbourhood and start nurturing it. Water it every day and get the help of your elders to know how to take good care of it. Above all, experience the pleasure of seeing it grow. You could soon find yourself becoming a nature lover.
TIME MANAGEMENT
Are you someone who complains about having so much to do in so little time? School, music class, birthday party, hobby, sports, projects and Olympiad preparations…the list goes on. Make a to-do list first thing in the morning or before going to bed. Have an exclusive diary or a planner for this. List out everything you have to do or prepare for and stick to the schedule without fail. Down the line you may even have extra time at hand! This is a habit for a lifetime.
IT’S ALL IN THE FAMILY
Assignments, tests and school work would take up a major portion of your week once your school begins. Unwind and spend some time at least once a week with your family. How does family lunch or dinner sound? Or a picnic? Insist on your parents and your siblings setting aside time for this once a week. Update them on what’s happening in school and ask them about their week too. Of course, make sure there are no interruptions keep your television off and all mobile phones on silent.
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD (SUGGESTION- HISTORY SPOTTING)
Historical buildings and monuments are hundreds of years old. They are wonderful places to learn about our past. Spend some time at a monument nearest to your school or home and you are sure to come back with an interesting story about how such a beautiful building was constructed so many years ago or about the people who built them. You might even meet some of them in your history textbook at some point! Think about why such buildings are not constructed anymore.
A LITERARY INTERLUDE
One of the best ways to get your hands on an interesting book is probably visiting your school or local library. Just walk down the aisle and pick a book that interests you. Chances are you might learn about a word that you have never heard of or read about a character that reminds you of your friend. It might even take you to a fascinating imaginary land. Want to take a break from all that reading? Perhaps you could write a story or a poem yourself!
ECO SENSITIVITY
Buy less, waste nothing and recycle more. What can be a better way to start that off than by finishing all the contents of your lunchbox? Switch on your power-saving mode at school and at home. Keep a hawk’s eye on every unnecessary fan and light that is switched on. Open the windows and lighten your dustbins. Carry a bag when you leave home instead of bringing back a plastic bag from a shop. Find out about where all the waste that we throw away everyday goes. You’ll definitely change your mind!
THE MORE THE MERRIER
You might often be clueless on how to pursue a particular activity or interest all alone. Instead form a group with people who share your interests and ideas. Start your own book club or musical band or drama group or painter’s corner at school. Meet up after school hours, discuss what interests you, come up with a play or write a song or paint a thematic poster. A notice on your school board or an announcement in the assembly should help you get started.
V FOR VOLUNTEER
Do your weekends feel like a mundane repeat of your previous weekend and the weekend before that? Get out of the routine and try to engage yourself with a different activity where you can actually put your skills to use. You could volunteer at a local NGO or maybe tutor children from smaller classes with their studies. You could also try volunteering at the local library or help your teacher organise her class schedules or research work during this time.
Picture Credit : Google