For some people, going home for the summer and leaving the freedom you have at school is miserable. For me, going home for the summer is something I look forward to. My friends at home are more like family, and my hometown is where my heart is. As much as I love being away at college, I always love the four months I get to spend at home. If you are like me, or even if you aren't, here are ten ways to make the most of your summer.
1. Spend time with your family
They might be even happier than you are that you're home for the summer. Take advantage of the time you have with them and give up a few parties to watch movies together.
2. Try a new restaurant or make a new recipe.
I don't know about everyone else, but I love good food. My appreciation for good food has only intensified since I've learned what living off of dining hall food is like. So, take time to try new restaurants you haven't tried before, or make a new recipe for a nice home-cooked meal. Mom and Dad will appreciate not having to cook for once!
3. Go away for a weekend.
Most of us are busy with jobs and internships at this point in our lives, but it's important to have some me-time with your friends and family. Plan a beach weekend or some sort of getaway weekend that you can look forward to while sitting in the office trying to figure out how you're going to make it through that eight hour day.
4. Go to a concert.
I'm lucky because I live close to a few major concert venues, so I've always had the opportunity to go to concerts and they are a summer staple. Even if you don't have this luxury, find a concert you and your friends want to go to, buy cheap tickets, and make it worthwhile.
5. Exercise.
I love the summer because there are so many different ways I can get my daily exercise fix in. Whether it's hitting the gym first thing in the morning, taking a bike ride, going for a run downtown or going for a hike at our local state park, the weather allows for so many different forms of exercise. Find something that is fun for you and do it! Your body and mind will thank you.
6. Reconnect with high school friends.
Of course you have your group of best friends who you see every day and do everything with. Spend as much time with them as you can. However, also try to reach out to those people you were close with in high school who you maybe lost touch with in college and grab coffee or lunch. It's nice to show you still care and you'll have so much to catch up on.
7. Treat yourself.
Whether you're busy with that awesome internship that takes up all your time, or spending the summer at the beach, you should always find time to treat yourself. Whether this means grabbing an ice cream or allowing yourself to binge watch Netflix all Sunday, it's important to do little things just for you.
8. Take lots of pictures.
I'm the worst when it comes to this because whenever I'm out having fun, the last thing I think about is taking pictures. But it's important to take pictures so the memories last a lifetime. You won't regret it when you look back on them in 20 years (Plus, do it for the Insta).
9. Do something you've always wanted to do, but never have.
We all have that list of things in the backs of our heads that we've “always wanted to do." Summer is the perfect time to do it. Grab one of your best friends and do something new and spontaneous.
10. Smile and laugh.
Most importantly, don't take yourself too seriously. Make the most of the time you have at home with the people you love and don't get to see most of the year. Do things that make you happy, and don't do things that don't. Keep it simple and smile often.
