Have you had time to breathe yet? Hopefully you did well in your exams, and the agonising wait for your results is not too... agonising. And once the initial celebration stops, and you've rediscovered what your family and friends look like after weeks with your nose buried in books and screens,  it's natural to consider- what next?

If you've finished your studies  -congratulations! It's the beginning of a new chapter, so whatever you plan to do - enjoy the ride! If you're taking an extended break before resuming study next year, it might be an opportunity to use the break productively to get in the best possible mindset for the new year. Wherever you're at  in your learning trajectory, here's some inspo for your next steps wherever it may take you.. 

1. Read.Reading is a great way to take your brain to places it might not have gone before, without leaving your comfy chair. Visit your local library or bookshop or watch this space for your ultimate summer reading list.
2. Consider More Study. if yoyu've finished studying, doing more study might be the last thing on your mind, but enrolling in some Summer Semester units could make S1, 2019 go more smoothly or could pique your interest for further learning. 
3. Do something new. If you do one thing this summer, make sure it’s something you haven’t done before. Try a new hobby, go somewhere you’ve never been, try a new dish at your favourite restaurant, say yes to something you always say no to. You never where it might take you…
4. Volunteer. Volunteering or helping out those less fortunate than you has been scientifically proven to reduce stress levels, broaden your mind, and improve overall well being. It can also look good on your resume and stand you in good stead for future professional opportunities. And it doesn’t have to be menial work. If you have certain skills, offer them to local not for profits. Volunteer at one of the many fundraising events local charitable groups hold, help take score at your local sports club’s junior footy matches. There are numerous opportunities out there. Go forth!
5. Get your resume in order. If you’ve finished your studies, now’s a good time to update your resume with your academic or work achievements and any part time work you’ve done while studying, and any professional achievements or important projects you finished while studying. Update your offline and online profiles and get them in good shape.
6. Declutter your life. This can be as involved or as uninvolved as you like. If you have some downtime, take the opportunity to review and remove what you no longer need or what no longer serves you. Whether it’s your wardrobe, your home, your front yard, or even your relationships, decluttering can be incredibly therapeutic.
7. Travel .Go near or far, just go. Travel broadens your horizons, opens your mind and is just really, really important. Create a budget, find a travelling companion, or just go by yourself and take off.
8. Talk to strangers. While you might find this really confronting, talking to strangers can lead to important connections, both personal and professional. Make it your goal to engage one stranger in conversation at least once a day. This could be in the coffee shop, at the bus stand, or wherever you are. You never know where it might take you...
9. Learn something you don’t have to. We’ve written before about how learning a language can make you smarter, but it’s also valuable just to learn something any new skill. Learn a language, learn a new sport, or just learn to sew. It can actually change your brain and place you in a good mindset for whatever 2019 may throw at you
10. Do nothing. Make sure you also take time out to do well, nothing. Sit, meditate, or just enjoy your natural environment. It will keep your centred and not so lost in the “ busyness” of everyday life.
11. Create. Write, sew, draw, paint, knit, craft, sing, code. Don’t worry that you’re not creating something of value. Just create for creation’s sake. It can be incredibly satisfying.