Although students are busy with schoolwork, part time jobs, sports and more, everyone can admit to wasting hours doing almost nothing. There are so many ways that anyone can spend their time, but there are a few things that are both educational and relaxing. The list follows:

Watch Documentaries. For those itching to watch some Netflix or Hulu, a great type to watch are documentaries. This type of movie can be entertaining and teach the viewer something. Not only are there the history class type documentaries, but also films centered around dance, art, mystery, pop-culture and random odds and ends. Basically, there is something for everyone. Documentaries are an interesting way to learn about history and people.

Make art, even if it is while watching Netflix. Art is a mindless passtime for many people. There are so many different forms of art that there, again, is something everyone can enjoy. At all levels- doodle, sketch, paint or build- art can expand one’s creativity and provide the artist with an opportunity for introspection.

Learn how to play an instrument. “Brain circuits involved in musical improvisation are shaped by systematic training, leading to less reliance on working memory and more extensive connectivity within the brain,” a study presented at the Neuroscience 2013 Conference in San Francisco said. On top of this, playing instruments like the guitar helps with finger dexterity.

Read a book. This is a more obvious take on spending time in a useful way, because it has been proven time and time again that reading can improve writing skills and vocabulary. Reading new books can also give students more material to write about during timed writes.

Though education can be a nice touch, free time is usually best spent decompressing. Happiness is the most important factor when selecting an activity for downtime.