Ever wondered why each and ever summer seems to go by so quickly and before you know it, you're back at school? It may be "summer", and it may feel like a break from school, but is it actually all that relaxing in the long run? Personally, I don't think so. From the moment I get home, I will be setting up interviews with multiple stores, hoping to become a full-time employee by working 40+ hours a week. I already have three locations that I have interviews for so I won't even get a day to myself.

I know that plenty of people are going to be at the beach, or in Florida, or traveling to another country for a week or two but that doesn't make it relaxing does it? When I think about past summers, I don't remember the summer being all that relaxing and freeing even when my family took a vacation. All I really remember is the stress that was building up when I remembered all of the things I would have to do when I got home. I think this is the type of society we live in however. We tend to focus on what we aren't doing rather than what we are doing.

Each year, when school is coming to a close, I try to think of things that I am going to do over the summer that aren't work related. These things can be purely about relaxing, they can be goals or ambitions that I want to follow, or they can be simply fun little tasks that I want to try out. Below is a list of things that you could maybe try to pick up to help your summer be a little less about work and a little more about taking time to yourself and maybe discovering a fun new hobby or activity.

1. Set a reading challenge

Yes, I know. I can almost hear the collective groan from my generation. Reading?! Oh god, anything but that! Honestly, though, reading is a great way to take away basically all of the stress you have in your life, even if it's just for a few hours. I haven't been reading as much as I used to but this summer I (hopefully) will read about 10 books, give or take few.

I think anyone who says they don't like reading just hasn't found the right books yet; so my challenge for you is to just walk into a book store, browse until you find a story that seems interesting, and buy it. Reading doesn't just have to be dense, boring, critically-acclaimed novels either. If you like food, grab a cooking book. Like art? Pick out a graphic novel. You can read about music, traveling, fashion, crime, myths, ghost stories, comedy, and magic. Believe me, if you give yourself the chance to fall in love with staring at black letters on white paper for hours on end, you will. You just have to make sure that you are giving every book you try a chance.

2. Write a book

Did I hear a groan again? No? Good. This may seem like a monumental task to complete in three months but just know, thousands of people do it in just one month through NanoWriMo. Writing a book doesn't have to come with the intention of becoming a published author one day, it just has to be about you putting a journey in your mind onto paper.

Have you ever had a really weird dream that you just couldn't forget? Have you ever started daydreaming about a different life you wish you had? It doesn't matter how well your grammar is or how creative you are, everyone has a story inside of them that matters. Even if you are the only one who ever reads it, think of how accomplished you'll feel.

3. Pick up an instrument

There are so many instruments out there that are super easy to learn. Some of these instruments are the harmonica, keyboard, or the ukulele! These can be easy to pick up in three months and are fairly cheap to buy. Also, tutorial videos are all over the internet so you don't have to pay for expensive lessons. I personally have taught myself a little of the Piano and the Harmonica. Fun fact: I bought the harmonica on Amazon for $7.

4. Start an art project

Whatever you like to do—drawing, painting, building furniture, creating a photo album—all of these art projects can be fairly large commitments if you want them to be. Pick up some supplies and just start creating something that you enjoy. Don't worry about how things look or whether or not you deem them good enough. Art projects don't have to be something you do in the safety of your room either. Try to find something you can do that will benefit people in your town, or start something for the homeless. Doing something for other people will not only give you something to do in your free time, but it will also make you feel better about yourself.

5. Play team sports

There are a ton of summer leagues for just about every sport out there, so join one! If you are looking to get in better shape or simply want to meet new people and stay active, joining a sports team is a great way to do that. Also, if you are already playing a sport, keeping your skills up over the summer is super important. If you aren't so much of a team player, try just getting a gym partner and running or lifting weights together. If you're stumped on what team sports to try out, check out this list.

Whatever you want to do over the summer, just do it. It doesn't matter if you are good at whatever it is or how long it will take. The summer is the time for you to discover new things about yourself and just have fun. Obviously, working is inevitable but make sure that when you aren't at work that you are doing something that makes you happy. Also, as one last tip, if you find something you really enjoy doing over the summer, continue to do it during the school year; nothing has to be relegated to only three months of the year.