Taking time to rest over the summer is essential, but let’s be real, there’s a point where the days blur together and your brain hits vacation mode. Before you know it, it’s time to go back to school and get your academic mindset back in action. Trying fun activities to keep your brain sharp over the summer is a great way to make that transition easier! Here are a few activities to keep that brain of yours stimulated and active all summer long.
Try a New Artistic Hobby
Keeping those creative juices flowing is key! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or can barely draw a stick figure, creativity and art looks different for everyone. You can try picking up painting or consider taking a class at a nearby pottery studio. If you’re not into traditional art forms, try a local dance or yoga class. Or maybe this is the perfect time to get your journal or scrapbook going! You can try your hand at classic written journal entries, or take it in an alternative direction and make junk journal or scrapbook pages. The beauty of art is that it can take so many forms—find a creative hobby or activity that feels like you!
Go on a Trip to a Local Museum
Museums are great (and usually free!) ways to learn something new in a fun and engaging way. Whether you live in a city full of them or only have a couple nearby, there are always new exhibits to view or things you may have missed on past trips. Check out artists’ work or learn more about your city’s history. Whatever museum experience you choose, learning about history or immersing yourself in culture is a great way to keep the mind going.
Play a Strategic Game
Strategy-based games are a great way to get the brain working! Try your hand at a classic board game like chess or backgammon. If that’s not up your alley, give more modern classics such as Catan, Risk or Battleship a try. If you’d rather play solo, or you’re just not the board game type, consider doing a puzzle or Lego set. If you’re on the road, some great, easily transportable options are sudoku or crossword puzzles. Additionally, you can get all, yes, all the New York Times games through your Syracuse email address, so take advantage of those!
Go Outside and Touch Grass
Taking advantage of the summer sunshine is so important after a brutal Syracuse winter! Additionally, there are lots of brain-stimulating ways you can engage with nature and have some outdoor fun. Consider starting an outdoor garden. Whether you have a huge yard or live in the city, you can make one in your backyard or cultivate a mini garden using an egg carton. You can also stroll through your local park and go bird-watching or look for wildlife. Take note of any interesting or eye-catching flowers or vegetation you may find on your walk. Finding ways to boost your observational skills and look beyond the first glance is always a great skill to work on!
Play Some Trivia
Ah, trivia. The tried-and-true way to test your knowledge with friends! Going to your local trivia night with friends and family is a fun way to bond while exercising your brain. If you’re looking for a low-key version, put on Jeopardy at home! You may not know every answer, but I know every time I watch Jeopardy, I learn something new. They even have a card game version and an online game if you’d like to properly put your knowledge to the test! There’s nothing like playing a classic trivia-based game to learn some new facts over the summer.
Whether your summer is full of work, trips or you’ve got no plans at all, keeping your brain awake and working is important when we have such a long stretch of time away from school. Finding a balance between relaxation and mental stimulation is key. Happy summer, Syracuse!
Written by Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs