Having never in my life gone on vacation during Spring Break, I know all too well the tedious boredom that ensues after a day or two. On break, it often feels like the entire population of the state has gone to the beach, leaving me as the only human life form in a 100 mile radius. Perhaps I exaggerate a bit, but we’ve all been in this situation. Fortunately for you, dear reader, I have some foolproof ways to break your break boredom. Follow this list, and you’ll be so busy during break, you’ll forget your friends aren’t there.

1. Get ahead on school work: Though no one really wants to do homework over the break, this is a great time to work on upcoming projects and study for tests in the near future. And, as always, it’s always a good time to start studying for finals! In fact, see if you can get in touch with the teachers of your classes next year, and really get a jump start on that first quarter work. It’s never too early!
2. Do some service work: Volunteer at a shelter, soup kitchen, or nursing home, help build a house, clean up a stream, or paint a school. Spring break is a great time to get some service hours, contribute to a good cause, apply for sainthood, etc.
3. Make arts and crafts: Always a fun time filler, arts and crafts are a surefire way to break the boredom. Whether making a Popsicle stick project,  drawing a landscape, or recreating Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, you’ll be busy all break embracing your creative side.
4. If all else fails, pretend you’re at the beach: Sometimes, you just can’t shake the break boredom. The sadness of seeing all your friends’ photos at the beach on social media is just too much. At this point, it’s time to make some beach fun of your own. Don’t hesitate to inflate that baby pool or jump in that neighbor’s sandbox. Download some ocean sounds on your phone, and play them on repeat. Convince your friends you’re at the beach, and you might be able to convince yourself too.

Just a few ideas to break the spring break boredom in the coming weeks; follow them, and you can’t go wrong.