Long weekends always seem to be either the most busy time of the year or the most dull: sometimes there are a hundred assignments flooding your Canvas to-do list, while other times the whole weekend can go by with you barely getting out of bed. If you are looking for an activity to help you pass the time, here are five things to do on a long weekend.

#5: Learn something new

Most high school students participate in several different extracurricular activities, which means there likely isn’t time to learn something just for fun. Having a long weekend means you have the opportunity to explore something you always wanted to do but didn’t have time for, whether it’s starting an online class on edX (a platform that provides asynchronous classes from professional institutions at an affordable cost), making a cake recipe or training your jump roping skills. Learning new things helps you feel accomplished and productive throughout the day, while also sharpening your mind and giving you another skill to show off.

#4: Get ahead on schoolwork

If you always feel behind on your homework, spending part of your long weekend getting ahead of the next week’s work (or catching up on the previous week’s) may be a good idea. Start writing the introduction paragraph for next week’s essay now or study for an upcoming Chemistry exam or maybe even finish that book from English class. You can also choose to kick it up a notch by studying at a cafe with friends, and enjoy a delicious treat and good company while you get ahead. Although schoolwork isn’t always the most fun option, you can choose how much time to spend on it, and it also sets you up for success when you get busier during the weekdays.

#3: Go on a short trip

There are only three vacations each year, other than summer break, so why not take advantage of the long weekends? From camping in the White Mountains in New Hampshire to shopping on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, the Northeast has many diverse vacation options all within a four hour car ride. Maybe you’re in the mood for a long drive through Maine to explore Acadia National Park? Or perhaps you’d like to spend a few days at Nantucket? Even Montreal is only a five hour drive away and perfect for an international long weekend visit. Spend some time brainstorming a bucket list with your travel companions, and then check some of those items off. A few days away with friends or family can reenergize your life.

#2: Get some extra rest

According to the CDC, fewer than one out of three high schoolers sleep enough each night, and sleep deprivation heavily affects performance, mood and health. Spend the long weekend recharging through sleeping in, taking an afternoon nap or even just listening to your favorite Spotify playlist and zoning out. You can aim for the nine hour mark by sleeping earlier or waking up later, but just make sure not to completely disrupt your sleep schedule. Although many people see this as an unproductive activity, resting can improve your focus and mood, especially if it is done away from screens. Getting extra rest is also a good idea since you can reset your sleep and energy for the week, something that most people enjoy.

#1: Hang out with friends

Since a lot of students don’t usually have time to hang out, it has become rarer to spend time with friends outside of school. Take the commuter rail to Boston, take a walk outside or do something you haven’t done in a while, like going bowling at Apex in Marlborough or trying a new art medium at a paint-your-own pottery studio. Spending time with friends in person is an important part of maintaining a close relationship, so why not use the long weekend to do so? Hanging out with friends is fun and also gives you something to look forward to at the end of the week. Considering all of its benefits, it is clear why hanging out with friends deserves to be at the top of this list.