As high school and college students, summer is the most anticipated time of year because it means freedom, fun, great weather, and no academic responsibilities. With that being said, we have pretty high expectations for how the summer is going to play out. It's as if we have this vision of daily beach days, bonfires, barbecues, and endless fun activities. If you're part of the lucky crowd, maybe this is all frequent for you. However, if you're anything like me, that vision quickly fades as my summer almost instantly turns to lazy days spent at home. The only time I get up and do something is when I go to another friend's house just to be lazy there. In between the laziness and binge watching Netflix, where is the meaning in the most glorious time of year? Enough is enough- everyone is always saying that you only live once, so it's time to stop wasting our time and start making the most of it. What better time to really start living it up than summer?! Here are 9 quick tips that will help you make the most of everything in order to find some meaning and make this summer your best summer yet!
1. Please.... just put the phone down.
It seems like the whole population of millennials constantly has their face glued to their phone screen and it is honestly so frustrating. So, my biggest bit of advice is to just leave it in your purse or pocket. That way, you are allowed the chance to be fully present in any given situation, and to give your friends and family the undivided attention they all deserve. So just put it down, I promise you'll live.
2. Be spontaneous!
Life doesn't always have to be a schedule or carefully planned out. Let loose and do whatever the moment leads you to! Just go with it. When you do this, you won't be as disappointed if your plans fall through. Within a group of friends, you'll also be super chill to be around because of your "go with the flow" attitude and your ability to agree to take on any adventure.
3. Make a bucket list.
Make a list of the major things you want to experience within your summer! Whether you want to take a trip to the museum or road trip to a neighboring state, jot it down and use it as a to-do list. The catch is, you have to finish each item on the list before summer ends- after all, tomorrow is never guaranteed so use your time NOW to get done everything you dream of- don't wait.
4. Give back.
Get involved and volunteer within the community. It's a simple, yet rewarding, hobby that many young people frequently overlook. By volunteering your time to help those in need, you will feel grounded and gain a sense of appreciation and humbleness, while making someone else's day a little brighter. Shed some sunlight on those who need it!
5. Make time for both friends and family.
Maybe not so much for you high schoolers out there, but for us college students, summer is a time for many of us to spend an ample amount of time at home after being away at school. That means that many of your old friends are home too, so it's always great to maintain ties and catch up. See how different their experiences have been from yours the past year, or how they've grown while being away. However, don't forget to make time for your family too. They missed you probably more so than your friends did, and they're not that bad to hang out with after all.
6. Don't forget to make time for yourself.
We're so busy making plans and surrounding ourselves around others that we seem to forget that quiet, alone time is important too. Lay out in the sun and listen to nature, take a walk by the lake, read a book at a quiet, outdoor location- whatever it is you enjoy. Taking time for yourself is important to free some of the clutter in your head, to relax, take a deep breath, and unwind. Maybe try meditating. Fuel your soul- you'll love yourself more.
7. Try new things.
Expand your mind by opening yourself to new experiences. Summer is a great time to do this because of all the newfound free time you have on your hands. It's a good way to get yourself out of the house, learn something new, and make yourself more well-rounded. If you want my opinion, I suggest you try out kayaking or some new recipes!
8. Enjoy nature and your surroundings.
Life is getting more fast-paced by the minute, so it's important to remember to slow down, stop, and smell the roses. Summer is such a beautiful time- the trees have grown all of their leaves, flowers are in bloom, the sun is shining, and the grass is green. Appreciate little things such as this. Nature is a beautiful thing. Find beauty in the little things. Maybe try to start your own garden in your backyard!
9. Don't forget to snap pictures!
You'll want to remember how much fun you had and all the cool things you did, so document them by taking pictures. As an avid picture-taker, I love doing so for the opportunity to look back on fun experiences I may have forgotten about. If you're feeling artsy, print the pictures out and make a scrapbook or a collage of all your memorable experiences. Looking back on it will show you just how meaningful your summer was!
