This semester has been a pretty light semester for me as far as school goes. Almost all of my classes are really easy this semester, and I had a great schedule so all of them (except for my Monday night class) are in the morning. This has been great, except for all of my friends are in the midst of really busy semesters. Because of this, I have had a lot of free time to myself, and I have been able to do some things by myself, for myself.
Journaling-
I’ve been an off and on journaler pretty much since I could write. But after reading Carly’s post about journaling back in January, I decided to pick it back up at the beginning of February. I loved what she said about journaling being totally private, since pretty much anything else I ever write is being judged (whether in school or on the blog). I’m proud to say I journaled every day until mid-March when I finished the journal I had been using for the past few years! I was so excited to crack open a brand new journal and keep journaling a few times a week to process and reflect.
Get creative-
This semester I tried watercolor painting for the first time, and I love it! It is so fun to sit down and paint something for 15 or 20 minutes, and I love that I am learning to do something new. You definitely do not have to do watercolor painting, but I highly recommend trying something new, whether it’s a new kind of recipe, knitting, a sport, etc.
Learn a new language-
This might sound weird, but besides physics, none of my classes are really challenging me this semester. I felt like I needed to add something into my life that will challenge me and let me learn something new. So I turned back to my trusty app Duolingo, and I decided to try to learn Italian! Some of it is super similar to Spanish, so it hasn’t been too difficult yet. But it still has helped me add something challenging into my day! I am only about 20% fluent right now according to the app, but I am looking forward to learning more. Of course, the ultimate goal is to learn enough so that when I go to Italy at some point (because it’s pretty high on my list) I will be able to use my Italian knowledge there! At least know enough to order some gelato, right? 😉
I also have been using Duolingo to brush up on my Spanish. I took 4 years in high school, and went through all of the Spanish lessons on the app about 2 or 3 years ago. But I am going back through now and it has been really fun to see how much I actually do remember!
Read-
Clearly I love reading and I will always advocate picking up a good book to read during your free time. I just published a post about how to read more, so if you are looking for tips click here!
Devotions/ read your Bible-
I have also been using this time to spend more time on devotions and reading my Bible. It’s on my 101 in 1001 list again to read the whole Bible, so it has been great to be able to be working towards that goal too!
Podcasts-
This semester I have also gotten back into podcasts! I love listening to one while I get ready in the morning, while I am driving, while I am cleaning, or while I am working out! Pretty much any time while I am doing something and need a little entertainment. Recently I have been loving My Favorite Murder, but if you want more recommendations click here!
Workout-
If you know me, you know I have never really been one to hit the gym on a regular basis. But this semester I have been going 3-4 times a week and it has really grown on me! I began going because it was the only time I was able to catch up with one of my friends, but I sometimes go by myself just so I can catch up on a podcast but still be doing something to justify it lol.
What do you enjoy doing when you have some spare time by yourself? Share in the comments!
xo, Scarlett