Staying on top of your studies during the summer can be extremely fun and insightful instead of draining during your well-deserved time off. It is critical to keep your brain busy to avoid those moments when you return to school after the holidays. There are many advantages to keeping your mind active through diverse hobbies and remaining on top of your studies.

To stimulate your mind, there are many experiences you can be a part of, but it is also vital to remember to practice the skills you learned at school, especially for GCSEs, Exams, and A-levels. When engaging in activities, strive to establish a balance between all of your hobbies.

Keep reading to find ways that maintain a healthy mix of fun and study over the school holidays. 

Get Physically Active 

Exercise has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, giving you a double whammy. Being physically healthy has been scientifically demonstrated to boost brain functioning, which in turn improves academic success. Trying to develop a habit of sport, fitness routines, or simple activities might provide you with an excellent rhythm to begin or end your day.

If you don't enjoy exercising, there are many other forms of physical activities you can participate in and attempt. If you find something you want, you will not regard it with disdain or as a chore. You may look back on what you did in the end and feel proud of yourself. Below are a few examples of different activities you may never have thought of as exercises that you can try out:

• Dancing
• Yoga
• Mixed Martial Arts
• Rock climbing
• Hiking
• BMX or skating    

Continue Learning

Summer is an excellent time to study for GCSEs, A-levels, and other exams. You may not want to learn or review the study material over the school holidays, but it does not have to be an incredibly tedious task. Make it a memorable one for yourself! You can be interactive in how you learn and set aside at least 1-2 hours every day. Preferably in the morning and with at least two days reprieve, to remain on top of things for school.

If you work on it first thing in the morning, your most essential routines will be completed for the rest of the day. Planning your studies with a study plan and curriculum or exam outlines would be ideal for making the process easier. It might help you determine what to study that day and reframe how you study by planning ahead of time. As previously noted, active learning can go a long way; this can be accomplished by:

• Learning with an online tutor who helps you master relevant information.
• Visit locations relevant to the study, like landmark sites, art, history, or science museums.
• Watch educational content on Netflix, TED talks, or Youtube surrounding the topic.
• Read new and exciting books on the relevant content or listen to podcasts on it.
• Review past material you learnt, take notes and make flashcards.
• Share stories about topics through writing or drawing about them and teach people.    

Be an Avid Reader

You will hear it over and over again because it's true. Reading can help you improve your English skills and knowledge about topics that interest you. There are many additional advantages, such as your brain signals becoming more active, which then build and mature while delivering mental well-being, to name a few that have been verified by science and research. It's also a plus if you enjoy getting lost in new fictitious realms.

Similarly, reading the newspaper keeps you up to date on what's going on in your city or around the world. You don't have to read books or news items in person anymore; you can read articles like this one online or browse through other blogs that interest you. On the other hand, physical books have their virtues and may be easier on your eyes.

Let Creativity Flow 

Creativity is a possibility for everyone, regardless of whether you think you are capable or not. At the end of the day, it is all about having a good time. The iconic artist Pablo Picasso stated it best: "Every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." It requires bravery to keep being creative and nurturing that inner artist. An online tutor or creative courses might assist you in developing and honing these abilities.

Cooking is among the many creative hobbies that people may pursue. It's all about figuring out what you connect with. Walking along this route can also lead to increased positive emotional well-being, courage, innovation, creativity, and, believe it or not, English skills. Building on innovation involves learning to be versatile and think outside the box. Here are some engaging creative activities to try, but you are not restricted to these options:

• Singing, rapping, poetry, music production
• Creative writing, journaling, blogging
• Photography, videography, acting/drama
• Refurbishment, upcycling, sewing, terrariums
• Painting, drawing, pottery, coloring, cooking 

Play More Games 

It is critical to remember to play games with intention. Playing games may appear paradoxical, but it can be beneficial to your brain's performance and memory. However, it is also dependent on the type of game you are playing. That being stated, you can spend time with your friends or alone while developing patience, increased memory, problem-solving, strategic, and critical thinking skills that will help you with Maths or English.

The beautiful thing about games and technology is that they can be played online or offline and provide entertainment for people of all ages. The games listed below are excellent methods to keep you on your toes when you feel a little bored.

• Sudoku
• Crosswords
• Strategic Board Games
• Card games  
• Chess
• Scrabble