Football season has officially arrived and if you’re anything like me, you couldn’t care less. Yet, every Sunday you somehow end up plantedon the couch listening to others sporadic yelling and only looking up from your phone for commercials with dogs in them. I thought I’d escape it when I left for college, but my roommate has that famous football fever, filling up our week with college and professional games. A football game lasts about 3 hours on average, and they still play them back-to-back- all day. I can barely sit through a regular movie for that long, so in order to show support and not be annoying during my roomie’s favorite sport, I have learned to entertain myself. No matter who you’re watching with–friends, family, roommates, significant others–here are some tips for what to do while you’re not watching the game.
1. Make a watch list.
You may not be watching what you want now, but you’re racking up some good “you owe me” time, so plan for a few stacked movie nights. Grab some headphones if you want to check out new trailers, or surf your favorite movie site for quick descriptions.
2. Do your nails.
Turn the we-time into me-time by giving yourself a mani-pedi. There are endless nail tutorials you can find online, so be creative! Maybe even fake it ’til you make it with football-theme claws.
Photo Credit: aggiesdoitbetter.com
3. Work on your resume.
Even if you don’t think you’re on the job market currently, it never hurts to be prepared. If an opportunity comes your way– and believe me, in college, it will–you don’t want to waste your shot at something great. If you already have a resume made and saved, check it over, see if there is anything to add or wording to change. If you’re starting fresh, try utilizing an online template to get you started.
4. Do some arts and crafts.
Relive the glory days by making a friendship bracelet or dream catcher. Get inspired by searching DIY and seeing what tools you may have lying around the house. You could even make a fun new super-fan shirt for the Redbirds!
5. Take a scientific survey.
Many classes at Illinois State offer extra credit points for participating in research surveys within the department. They are online surveys that usually take between 5 and 20 minutes. I love doing surveys because who doesn’t like to talk about themselves? Plus, you’re helping students and professors by contributing to important research projects.
6. Make some food.
Let’s be real, you were probably already thinking about doing this halfway through reading this article. Try a new dip recipe, homemade candy, or get creative with leftovers! Sharing is optional, of course. If you’re quiet, they might not even notice you went to the kitchen. If they smell it, you may be doomed.
7. Do your homework.
Boring, I know, but we both know it’s what you should be doing. I actually find football games a good time to get homework done because I’m not going to get distracted by a program I don’t follow, and I’m not sitting in dead silence.
8. Shop online.
I feel like every day there is a new clothing site to check out. Right now, I’m loving Shein, Wish, and Romwe. You could also search for a new gadget on Amazon. When money is tight (and it usually is), I like to create mood board wishlists on Pinterest.
Photo Credit: Taylor Knox
9. Do some squats.
That Cardi B(ooty) isn’t going to sculpt itself! Make a game out of it: 25 celebratory squats for every touchdown. Do this every week and you’ll be twerking it out just in time for Homecoming.
10. Create a weekly schedule.
Sunday is the perfect day to plan for the week ahead. Use a spreadsheet to map out the hours and include classes, work, meetings, due dates, exercise, and events, whatever you need or want to make time for. Color code it and print it out or save it to your camera roll so you stay on top throughout the week. Then, don’t forget to add in game times so you can do this all again next Sunday!