How will you spend your summer break? (And don't worry, southern hemisphere, your turn will come.) Will you turn into a couch potato playing video games for hours on end, or sunbathe at the pool day after day? If you're like me, those pursuits would become extremely boring very quickly. As a teacher I get summers off also. And while I do enjoy a week or two of downtime, after that I have to keep myself busy or face boredom!

So how can you keep your brain actively engaged during the summer respite? You have many options, but consider these activities to keep all your brain synapses firing in the absence of academics.

Just for fun

First, try getting involved in something just for fun. After all, it is summer break—so treat yourself! Maybe you've always wanted to go rock climbing or traveling abroad or to read one of the great literary classics. Whatever it is (as long as it's worthy), as the famous shoe slogan states, "Just do it"!

I took this advice during the summer after my first year of teaching. I'd dreamed of traveling to the British Isles from the time I was a teenager. After saving for the whole year I explored England and Scotland in an eight-day tour accompanied by my mother and aunt. That rich experience is one I'll always remember. But even if you don't have the means to travel abroad, isn't there some other closer attraction or activity you'd like to visit? Start planning now to make it happen.

Self-improvement

Set some good personal goals for yourself. Developing goals and striving to achieve them will help your brain stay sharp throughout the summer. For example, try developing an exercise program you could easily maintain not just in summer but throughout the year.

Learn a new skill. You'll find many non-academic courses your local university or community college provides for a nominal fee, such as cooking, sewing, woodworking or mechanics. One summer I took voice lessons from my local college's music department. It was priced reasonably, and I was surprised at how much I learned in a short amount of time. I also enjoyed it because the instructor challenged me to try to sing out of my comfort zone.

Earn additional income

Many or most students—especially college-age—need to work part time to help pay school expenses and earn spending money. Summer vacation provides a good opportunity for young people to find part-time employment. But you typically need to start searching for those jobs well before the school break actually starts!

Aside from the usual fast food and retail options, there are many unusual jobs you may have never considered. For example, tutoring companies specifically hire college students and teachers to fill tutoring positions. An Internet search will connect you to online tutoring companies. You must be prepared to take subject-specific tests to see if you qualify for such jobs.

Check libraries for job positions in their children's summer reading programs. Don't forget summer camp jobs, including some that are overseas, which allow you to travel and earn money at the same time. Closer to home you may find temporary services, factory work, internships and many other opportunities. Employ the practical wisdom of Jesus Christ—"Seek, and you will find" (Matthew 7:7).

Whether you devote your time this summer to working, self-improvement or having interesting fun, plan ahead to make the most of your opportunities. Start now, and you may have the best summer ever!