It is that time of the semester once again: finals season.
All the tests, quizzes, late-nights, early classes, and procrastination has all lead to the final exams that are too stressful to even bear the thought of. After it's all said and done, however, then the fun can really begin again. Once you've studied your butt off and spent hours on end decoding those impossible exams, there is only one appropriate way to pat yourself on the pack... Treat. Yo. Self.
Here's a list of just some of the things you can do to start your summer right and relieve that finals fatigue.
1. Have a spa day with your friends
Nothing says destress like a spa day! You and your friends are probably so worn out from all the studying and stress that you just need to take care of your bodies. Go to a spa and make it a day for you and your friends to unwind, gossip and finally spend time together without the restraints of busy school schedules.
2. Sleep all day, Netflix all night
If you're like me, you love laying in bed and watching movies or your latest binge-watch while having no care in the world what time you actually go to bed. Now that you don't have to worry about waking up early for class or cramming to study, watch all the Netflix and Youtube you can handle... pull an all-nighter if you want because you can actually sleep the whole next day!
3. Buy yourself something expensive
Ever wanted to splurge on something ridiculous at the mall? Well, the time has come to do just that. You've worked so hard this semester that you deserve to buy an expensive shirt or pair of shoes that you've been dying to get for so long. Whether it's a fedora, sunglasses, or a striped t-shirt with an attached scarf, who are we to judge you- TREAT YO' SELF!
4. Try something new
Thinking about this can seem really annoying if you don't like doing this type of thing, but just take it into consideration for a moment. Taking up a new hobby or going somewhere you've never been may seem like daunting tasks at first, but you never know what can come out of them for yourself. Never went hiking before? Make a day out of it with your friends to enjoy when it's nice out. Don't draw or paint? Go to a craft store with a friend and try it out. You never know if you're truly missing out on something great until you try it.
5. Throw a kick-off to summer party
Just this gif makes me want summer even more. I bet everyone cannot wait to welcome Summer '18 with open arms, so why not make a party out of it? It doesn't have to be a complete rager, but just planning a backyard barbecue with friends or a movie night can definitely kick the season off to a great start.
6. Spend time outdoors
A lot of people probably cringe at the idea of actually going outdoors for fun, but it is definitely something everyone should strive to do. The weather in summer is really hot, but it's usually perfect weather in the beginning. When the sun is shining and it's not too hot or cold out, try going for a walk with a friend or go exploring in a nearby city. Take a break from the internet and just enjoy your surroundings for once.
7. Release your remaining stress in a healthy way
Whether you are a sporty person or not, relieving your stress physically can turn out to be really healthy and fun. There are thousands of activities to try with your friends- from yoga and kickboxing to walking around town and jogging at the track- and this may become a regular thing for you both. You may feel like Andy here when you do it, but it may make you feel better when you're stuffing your face later.
8. Redo your closet
Okay, so not everyone is fortunate enough to have Versace in their closet like J-Lo here, but you can certainly make space for the great new clothes coming to your closet this summer by re-doing the whole thing. Take all of your clothes, throw them onto your bedroom floor (literally) and start to reorganize and sift through all of your stuff. This not only will allow you to create space and make your clothes more organized, but you can also get rid of the clothes you realize you don't wear anymore- double score!
9. Start a new book or series to binge-watch
If you're like me, you miss actually having time to binge-watch a show and read a book leisurely- well, now you finally can! Watch that show you've been trying to get at lately and read that book that's been collecting dust on your must-read pile. Treat Yo' Self to some good entertainment, fam.
10. Make your summer bucketlist
Now that summer is FINALLY here, you can start planning what you want to do! Grab a pen and a piece of paper (or just pull up the Notes app on your phone) and jot down everything you want to do this summer. This list will save any ideas that you'll forget down the line as well as give you some for when you're bored on any given day. Summer is a time for possibilities, and they are truly endless.
