The holidays are long-gone and the winter blues are starting to settle in. While some are usually spotted cozying up to a night in with Netflix or just stuffing their face with junk food, others may be taking advantage of the time that is ticking toward summer.
If you're just as excited as I am for Summer '18 and want to make it your best yet, here are a few ideas that can help you fully prepare for the rays and relaxation that await.
1. Shop for Summerwear
It truly is never too early to start shopping for bathing suits or any summer essentials. With random sales and clothes for next season already available, you should really take advantage of them all now before it's too late. The weather may still be annoyingly cold, but you want to get your hands on the cutest tanks before they disappear.
2. Watch What You Eat
Okay, I know this is a hard one. Especially after the holidays, everyone has trouble controlling themselves when it comes to eating. After all, how many of us just want comfort food after a long and cold day at school or work? Eating in moderation will definitely be worth it in the long run, and your summer body will thank you later (even if you didn't actually lose any weight).
3. Make a Summer Bucket-List
Summer is a time where anything seems possible and you feel as though you have all the time in the world- that, of course, isn't true in hindsight. Keep a list in your notes on your phone of what things you want to do this summer; maybe this includes day trips with friends, taking up a new hobby or even shows you want to binge-watch at night. Whatever it may be, write it down now so you won't forget later.
4. Exercise Now, Feel Great Later
For people that aren't constantly active, this one can be the hardest to do on this list. Everyone wants to look good in their swimsuits but never take the time plan how they're going to get that great body. There are literally tons of (free) websites and apps that can help anyone get fit and/or lose weight. Everyone needs to start somewhere, and with three months left until the weather heats up, what better time to start than now?
5. Save Some $$$
You will most likely find that any college student will say that they're broke- but don't let this be as truthful in the summertime. Summer is the time where you're going to want to go out and have fun with friends, which most likely means money is an absolute necessity. Grab your old piggy bank or spare jar and start dropping loose change or a dollar a day to slowly save up for those adventures. It may not seem like it makes a big difference now, but you'll thank yourself later.
6. Plan a Getaway
This also depends on the last tip given. Everyone deserves a vacation after a stressful semester, whether it be a trip to a Caribbean island or an overnight stay at a motel near the beach. Grab your friends and see how much money you all have and plan a trip for yourselves. A change of scenery is better than staying in your hometown all summer, and as long as you have your friends by your side, you're guaranteed a good time anywhere you go.
7. School, Work, Both or Neither?
I saved this as the last point because no wants to think about this at first, but it is necessary. Summer may be the time for fun in the sun, but it's also the perfect time for getting ahead in school or making extra cash. Sit down by yourself and weigh your options: do you want to be productive and get yourself ahead of the curve or do you think you deserve a stress-free summer? No matter what your decision is for yourself, you'll be grateful that you at least took the time to think about it.