When my exams or final assignment submissions are over, I find myself wanting to either curl up in a corner and cry, or veg out on a couch and perpetually watch reruns of Friends.

I most certainly do not find myself geared for the next obstacle in life. Especially if the obstacle is not travelling overseas to a glorious island in Europe.

So, how can we do things other than spend our time on the couch?

#1 Use Your Friends

Friends are your best escape from the ratty thing sitting in your low-budget rental you call a couch. These beautiful creatures have the ability to distract you from absolutely anything and everything – especially if food is involved. Haven’t you guys all noticed brunching has become the new “hip’” thing? Just me? Well, OK.

But seriously, the easiest way to avoid long-term slothing is to hang out with your friends. Doing things as a team makes it so much harder to be a flake.

However, if you’re reading this and thinking, “but my friends are all like me and enjoy binging Friends for hours on end,” then well, this is a great time for an intervention.

#2 Find A Hobby That Makes You Interesting

This is something I’ve come across with a lot of people. They get asked what they like to do in their spare time and all they can think of is Netflix, Facebook or some other social network. But really, when you think about it, none of these are real hobbies. They’re just things we use to kill time or avoid awkward situations.

So, my advice to all of you who want to do something other than binge television this uni break is to go out there and find a real hobby. This doesn’t have to be something super extravagant or something no one has ever thought of before. It can be as simple as drawing, taking early morning photography, surfing, or even knitting for all I care.

In the end, the most important aspect is you’re doing something with your life.

#3 Get A Cheap Gym Membership

The great thing about going to the gym is being able to work off all your post-uni and exam stress. I mean, after my grades were realised for this semester I sure felt like punching something!

Let’s also not forget physical exercise is known to release endorphins and make us feel better and energised. It’s actually a great motivator in life.

But hey, even if you don’t get a gym membership, because, let’s be honest they can be a tad exxy just go outside and create your own workout. Or when you do find yourself cruising the internet, have a sneaking google of some workout sessions on YouTube. There are heaps!

#4 Only Allow Yourself To Watch TV At Night

Go all out and put a ban on daytime TV. Yes, it’s a little extreme but it forces you to make other plans and stay away from perpetual slug territory.

Look at you! Doing things! Good on ya.

(Lead image: SNL/NBC)