Finals are just about finished, you're packing up all of your stuff, and although you're upset about leaving your college friends, you just can't wait to see your friends and family back home. We're all ready for some fun in the sun and we all deserve a stress-free break. But I think we are all familiar with that summer daze that occurs after a few weeks of no obligations. Here's twelve things to do to keep yourself from being bored this summer:
1. Get a job.
Be it a lifeguard at the local swimming pool, scooping ice cream by the pier, or being a waitress at your favorite restaurant, having a part-time job this summer will ensure that you don't get bored and that you have enough spending money to do some other fun stuff.
2. Volunteer.
Volunteering not only looks great on resumes, but it helps others in need. Check out the local animal shelter, nursing home or homeless shelter. And if none of those interest you, keep in mind that a lot of fun festivals and 5K races need volunteers!
3. Join a gym.
It'll take a few hours out of your day and ensure you maintain that summer body, all while keeping you healthy and active. Exercise is important for both physical and mental health!
4. Take a class at the local community college.
This is especially helpful if you're in your early college years. You can get your gen eds out of the way without bombarding yourself with a full schedule. It may even help you get ahead or stay on track with the rest of your schooling.
5. Try out a fitness class.
I personally love yoga even though I'm no expert. Fitness classes are a fun way to stay in shape and a great way to meet new people! Give yoga, pilates, zumba, bootcamp, kickboxing or HIIT a try. There's a fitness class for everyone.
6. Find a new book.
" Harry Potter" is my go-to series, but I'm looking to branch out this summer with a new book. Try something new and you might surprise yourself with what you like!
7. Go to a concert.
Check out your favorite band or discover a new one. Concerts are a great way to spend your money on a meaningful experience, and festivals are a great way to find new music to enjoy.
8. Go on a hike.
Go have so fun in the sun! Bring plenty of water, some sun glasses and some hiking boots. Summer is a beautiful time in nature; get out and enjoy it!
9. Travel.
College friend live in a different state? Go see them! Want to day-trip to the beach? Do it! Traveling is a great way to spend your summer, even if you can't afford the expensive trips out of the country.
10. Visit a national park.
Explore nature, find new hiking trails, go kayaking. New experiences and outdoor adventures make for great instagram posts, but you'll probably have too much fun and enjoy soaking in the beauty of it all to be on your phone.
11. Pick up a hobby.
Make it your mission to hike all the trails in your state, learn how to throw clay on the wheel, find a new musical or artistic talent. Spend your days doing something you love and you'll always have something to do when you feel that boredom creeping up on you.
12. Go to an amusement park.
Whether you're flying high at Cedar Point or relaxing in the lazy river at Hershey Park, amusement parks have something for everyone. They're always an enjoyable experience, and there's no chance of boredom there!
Summers are great for relaxing and de-stressing. However, that relaxed state can quickly turn into boredom. Finding something you love or doing something new will help keep the boredom at bay while making your summer more enjoyable. These experiences last a lifetime, and it's important not to waste this time off in our young adulthood before our summers are consumed by full-time jobs. Summers are where we really learn about ourselves. Now you'll have something exciting to say when you return to school and your classmates ask what you did over the summer!
