Public schools in your area might also have textbooks they’d be willing to lend you over the summer.

Reading newspapers is also a great way to stay informed of new discoveries in science, history, and math. For English-speaking newspapers in the United States, try the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Look at the Guardian for a paper based in the United Kingdom. If it’s in your budget to subscribe to a daily paper, do so. If not, you can usually read several articles from popular newspapers based in the United States and elsewhere for free each month.

This might require you to read sources produced by different news outlets, politicians, or experts. For example, to get a good picture of the debate about climate change, you can look at what different politicians around the world are saying and doing about the issue. Be sure to look at people from different parties. Run a Google search to find easy-to-read scientific studies. Finally, check out coverage from news outlets with different political leanings (such as Fox News and MSNBC in the U. S. ).

It’s also a good idea to know the capitals and major cities of countries around the world.

Try to exercise for at least 20-30 minutes each day. Make this workout hard enough to get your heart pumping. Jogging is great exercise. Try going for a 20-minute jog three-four times per week, and taking a walk or hike on your off days. You may want to join a gym. This membership gives you access to lots of classes, weight rooms, and machines that could motivate you to really commit to your plan.

Stick with lean meats such as chicken and fish. Go heavy on the fruits and veggies, and make sure you’re also eating food from each food group. Make your own meals instead of eating out. This will help you control exactly what you’re eating. Try simple recipes like baked chicken and spinach salad.

Drink enough water so that you’re never thirsty, or about 8 glasses of water per day. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

To get better sleep, avoid nicotine, caffeine, and heavy foods for the last few hours before you head to bed. You should also limit your daytime naps to about 20 or 30 minutes. Try to stick to the same sleep schedule each night. [12] X Research source

You may be able to take 20 minutes during your lunch hour to practice. You can also practice after you’ve eaten dinner at night during the weekdays. Add a longer practice session on your off days. Try to practice at least 4-5 days per week, for about 20 minutes to an hour each day. [15] X Research source

Gardening, cooking, writing, baking, photography, website design… the list of things that qualify as art goes on and on. Find your passion and have fun with it. [17] X Research source Take an art or music class in school if you’re a student. If not (and it fits into your budget), sign up for one at a local community college. You can also find guided tutorials online or at bookstores for learning artistic crafts or musical instruments. If you’re hoping to get into music, look for a community choir or band that accepts beginners. This is a great way to meet people and develop your creativity.

Observing other artists can also help you decide on your own style. You may start out by imitating something you like, and then you’ll slowly start to create your own special artwork. Craft shows and local fairs are also great events for experiencing art and culture. These may even let you see the folksy side of art that you can’t get in all museums.

You can alternate days to get through the various textbooks, novels, newspapers, etc. that you’re reading. If you have time and you want to, read for longer! The more hours you dedicate to becoming a Renaissance person, the farther along you’ll get on your quest.

Even on busy days, 10-15 minutes of exercise is better than zero minutes.

Try NPR’s Politics Podcast for an in-depth review of the American political scene. The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe is a fun way to learn about science, and it promotes critical thinking. The Moth is also an interesting option for those interested in literature and storytelling. [22] X Research source