It’s that time of the year again – school holidays are finally here! It’s the perfect time to take a well-deserved break from studying and focus on exploring new interests and learning new things. School holidays are an excellent opportunity to recharge, bond with friends and family, and engage in activities that promote personal growth and well-being. With so many activities, deciding how to spend your time can be hard. But don’t fret; we’ve got your back! This article will share fantastic tips and ideas for activities you can do during your holidays.

Explore Your Creative Side

The holidays are an excellent time to unleash creativity. You can try everything from painting, drawing, and pottery to writing, singing, and dancing! These activities can be done alone, with friends or family, or in workshops or classes. Expressing yourself creatively is an excellent way to relieve stress and explore your inner self. Why not take advantage of free admission for students at museums and galleries and learn about history, art, and culture while exploring your creativity?

• The Iziko Museums of South Africa have a range of free educational resources available online, including worksheets, quizzes, and videos on various topics. Find their free resources here: 

Get Active

Staying active during the holidays is essential for physical and mental health. You can engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, sports, and going to a local beach or indoor activities such as yoga, aerobics, or dance. These activities keep you fit and healthy and help reduce stress and anxiety and boost your mood. 

Some activities to consider:

• Take advantage of your time off to explore the great outdoors. Plan outdoor activities such as beach trips, games, hiking, and nature walks. Many local parks offer free or discounted entry to students; you may enquire directly with the parks.
• Attend or participate in a community or faith-based organisation’s sports day or tournament. Many communities organise sports events during school holidays. These events are great for meeting new people, exercising, and having fun.

Volunteer

Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to your community, gain valuable skills, and meet new people. Whether working with animals and children, helping with environmental conservation or community development, there’s something for everyone. Local organisations such as soup kitchens, animal shelters, or community gardens always need volunteers. It’s an opportunity to develop empathy, learn new things, and positively impact the world.

Some activities to consider:

• Many communities have gardens where residents can grow their vegetables and fruits. These projects are a great way to learn about gardening and sustainable living. They also provide an opportunity to connect with others in your community.
• Animal welfare: This can include volunteering at your local SPCA or other animal shelters, helping with adoption events, or assisting with animal care. It is a great way to learn about animal welfare and develop empathy for animals.
• Community service can include helping at a local soup kitchen, working at a homeless shelter, or helping out at a local orphanage. It will help the community, and you will develop a sense of responsibility and leadership skills.

Reading

Reading a book is an excellent way to relax and escape another world. Pick up a book from your local library, swap books with a friend, or buy a secondhand book for as cheap as R5! Visit a zero-rated reading website (like ours!) and get lost in the pages. Reading has been proven to increase empathy and improve cognitive function, so it’s fun and beneficial for your brain.

Spend time with friends and family.

The holidays are the perfect time to catch up with friends and family. Plan a movie night, eat out, or organise a game night. Spending time with loved ones is an excellent way to de-stress, create memories, and enjoy each other’s company.

Attend Free Community Events 

Many communities around South Africa host free events during the school holidays. These events are an excellent way to meet new people, have fun, and experience something new. Check your local community’s social media pages or newspapers to see what events are happening near you.

Rest

It’s essential to remember that while school holidays are an opportunity to explore new activities and have fun, it’s also a chance to rest and recover from the stresses of school. Burnout and exhaustion can impact physical and mental health, so rest is crucial. Whether catching up on sleep, indulging in some self-care activities, or simply taking a break from your busy schedule, rest and recover during your holidays. Your body and mind will thank you, and you’ll be able to return to school feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the next term with a better mindset. 

School holidays are an excellent time to explore new interests, have fun, and recharge. You can try plenty of affordable, safe, and fun activities, from exploring your creativity to volunteering, learning new skills, and travelling. The key is to find activities that promote well-being. 

Discussion question: Which holiday activity are you most eager to try out, and what is the reason behind your excitement? 

Want a good book to read in the holidays? Try Broken Promises here