12 things to do now that winter break is here

Finals. While technically it means the end, it sure does not feel like it when you are knee deep in essays, last-minute group meetings and projects. But all of those things are over! It is finally winter break and you can do anything your little heart desires -- whatever that may be. So here are a few things you can do now that you finally have a break.

1. Watch Netflix.

Not that you were not already doing that, but now nothing stands in your way from finishing all 10 seasons of "Friends" in two days!

2. Sleep.

Staying up all night, repeatedly, is a thing of the past! Glorious midday naps and casually waking up past noon are in your future.

3. Have a social life.

Find all your friends you did not see the whole semester because you are double majoring while working full-time, and tell them you love them.

4. Get ready for the cold.

These 69-degree Sundays in December (thanks, global warming) will not be here for long. Brace yourselves, winter is coming!

5. Cry less.

No more exams, group projects, papers, discussion questions or presentations. I think I might cry right now.

6. Have time to make an actual meal.

Say au revoir to living off of bagels and cream cheese! Now you can get some use out of all the recipes sitting in a container above your sink that you had no time, energy or money during the semester to make.

7. Literally anything that is not school.

Get a job, color a picture, grab a drink, attend a concert or travel. Your options are endless with a little imagination.

8. Make money.

When I go home at the end of the semester, I pick up dog walking visits to make some extra cash. Plus, hanging out with dogs all week is exactly the kind of "work" I want to be doing while I am on break.

9. Exercise.

I don't know. I do not do it, but maybe some of you like it.

10. Stress less.

It is called a break for a reason. If you want to lay on the couch and eat chips and queso for the entire month, do it. If you want to kick back and party with your friends every night, do it. If you want to make a few extra bucks so you do not have to worry as much during the school year, do it.

11. Smile.

We are being given one whole month free of knowledge being stuffed down our throats, so turn that frown upside down! With this marvelous month-long break, do something that makes you happy.

12. Partake in the hobby you used to love before school took over your life.

I am an equestrian. I have been riding horses since I was six-years-old, but since coming to college I simply cannot find the time. I rarely have a free half-an-hour to make myself food, let alone three hours to drive out to the barn and ride. This is why I love breaks.

Now that classes are out, the opportunities are endless -- at least for the next 29 days.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FOR THE ODYSSEY