Winter break boredum

It's been a long, difficult semester. Between classes, homework, group projects, jobs and just trying to maintain a social life, you've been very busy. Thankfully a much needed break is coming up soon. Through the end of December and most of January, college students all over will be celebrating winter break.

J-Term is a great time to relax, unwind and gear up for another semester of classes. But once the tinsel has settled and the holidays are over, many students are left wondering, "What now?" If you're not taking a J-Term class and you're not staying in your home town for the break, January can begin to feel like a very long time. Here are some ways to spend the break:

Sleep in. As a college student, you're probably no stranger to the joys of getting a couple extra hours of sleep in the morning. But during winter break, you can have all the enjoyment of sleeping in with none of the guilt of skipping class. Go ahead, be lazy for a while. Your brain will thank you.

Eat real food. Remember what real food tastes like? It's hard to find time to enjoy real meals when you have a hundred other things to worry about. Instead of continuing the regular college diet of Pop tarts and delivery pizza, use your newfound freedom to explore the culinary world.

Pick up a new hobby. When you're caught up in textbook readings and studying, it's easy to forget there are other (more fun) ways to pass the time. Always wanted to learn to play guitar? Think painting might be your thing? You have about a month to really focus and get a good start on whatever skill you'd like to learn, and it's a great way to relax, too.

Enjoy the peace and quiet. If you've ever visited a downtown establishment on a weekend during the semester, you know it's always packed. While that can be a lot of fun, it's also a nice change of pace to actually be able to sit down or even just see the building you're in once in a while. Now is the time to try something new. Take advantage of the thinned out population and see La Crosse in a new light.

Take a break from thinking. After finals week and the holidays with your family, your brain might feel a little like scrambled eggs. Take this time to engage in mindless activities. Watch a movie marathon.

Discover the joys of afternoon naps. Surf Pinterest for hours on end. Put your mind on cruise control for a while.

Watch Cool Runnings. It's been too long since you've seen your favorite Jamaican bobsled team.

Finish that to-do list. For all of you ambitious types who don't believe in extra sleep, winter break gives you almost a month to get all sorts of things done. Polish your resume and cover letters, search for jobs, and get organized. The more you get done over break, the less you have to worry about when classes start again.

Volunteer. Organizations in the La Crosse area like the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Goodwill and more are always looking for volunteers to help out. Not only does participating in volunteer work look good on a resumé it also feels good to know you're doing something to benefit the community. There are all kinds of volunteer opportunities in La Crosse. If you're not sure what would be a good fit for you, or just want to know what options are out there, stop by the Leadership and Involvement Center in 221 Cartwright or check out their list online: http://www.uwlax.edu/uc/involvement/volunteerops.htm.

No matter how you decide to spend your break, J-Term is a great time to recharge for the next semester of classes and craziness. Enjoy yourself and make the most of the time off.