At long last, summer is here again. The horrific memories of finals have closed shop and escaped your brain for the next three months. Thus begins the thought: now what? Between the days of sleeping in until 1 pm and binge watching a new Netflix series we should be thinking about ways to make the most of our time. Here are ten ways to spend your summer being productive instead of a lazy bum!
1. Write a list of realistic goals to accomplish.
Specifically writing down a list of goals will force you to actually accomplish these goals. Take some time to yourself to sit down and take pen to paper with ideas in mind. Once you have compiled your list, tape your goals to a place where you are most likely to read them daily. Seeing your goals so often will push you to keep them in your head throughout your day.
2. Find a job.
Having a part time job is always a great idea whether during the school year or in the summer time. Being able to have money of your own brings about a sense of independence and allows you to buy and afford the things you want. This will also keep you on a tracked schedule instead of sleeping the day away.
3. Create your own summer reading list.
This is not your run of the mill-elementary school-boring summer reading list. This is a chance for you to pick whatever books your heart desires! Saw a wonderful murder mystery calling your name in a bookstore the other day, but had to ignore it due to final exams? Add it to your summer reading list. Keep it realistic. Maybe you are an avid reader and can handle ten books during the summer. Write them down. Or maybe you are just now discovering the realm of imagination through books and want to take it slow. In that case, start with five.
4. Create a work out plan.
Unfortunately and fortunately, summer tends to bring about a sense of slothfulness. The unfortunate part of this is that we tend to stop exercising as much as we do during the school year (for those of you who DO exercise during the semester). You don't have to create some crazy, boot camp workout plan. Exercising can be just taking a walk around the neighborhood every day.
5. Eat a healthier diet.
During finals if you were like myself, you stuffed yourself with fattening foods and drank coffee like it was water. Give yourself these three months to rejuvenate your body with healthy foods. Add more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Maybe calm down on the coffee if you can't give it up completely. I understand, I am a fellow coffee addict. Eating a healthier diet will help with eliminating sluggishness and will strengthen your body to take on the day!
6. Spend some time outside.
Even though it will likely be hot, spend some time getting outside and breathing in the fresh air. Staying cooped up inside the house too long will give you cabin fever. Fresh air will allot the heart and mind immense healthy benefits.
7. Meditate.
Regardless if you are religious or not, allow yourself some time in a quiet area to be alone. When you are having a stressful day sometimes the only thing you can do is to distance yourself from the situation to find ease through eliminating all outward stimulants. Let this time be the time where you relax your body and mind in peace. Practice your deep breathing and let the newfound sense of serenity wash over your body until you feel renewed.
8. Call a friend.
Although this can happen at any point in the year, allow yourself to make this step when you have some extra time on your hands. Enjoy sitting and talking to that friend who you lost touch with over time. Maybe you could rekindle a friendship. You may have a conversation that could change your life.
9. Travel somewhere!
Whether it be leaving the country to explore another culture or driving a few hours to the next state, traveling will always serve you well. Not only will you get to encounter different people and ideas, but you can also use this as an escape from the daily grind. Need a mini vacation from the family? Grab a few friends and hop in the car. Road trips can give you some of the best memories you'll ever have. You never know who you could meet or what you could experience in another place!
10. Laugh daily.
Laughing is essential to happiness and a healthy well-being. Watch a ridiculous comedy with a bunch of friends. Scrolling through some sarcastic memes online can bring you some serious chuckle attacks. I've watched my fair share of laughing baby videos when I'm feeling down and it has truly made me laugh until my stomach ached with pain. No matter what you may be experiencing that day, take a moment to enjoy the feeling of laughter.
