With the school year over, you can finally breathe again. The homework has been handed in, the tests have been taken, and you're home for the next two or three months. Summer is unarguably a time to relax and take a break from the high strung, anxiety ridden, fast paced life that being a student brings. But after you take the first day or two off and just be lazy, (because God knows you are entitled to those few days), don’t forget to take care of yourself. Use this time to make yourself feel better, to makes your weaknesses strengths and your strengths stronger, to give yourself a leg up so when the fall inevitably comes back around and you have to do the whole school thing all over again you’re better than you were last year.
Read a book
Currently, unless you’re taking summer classes, you are not looking at 70 page reading assignments. That means that you don’t need to be reading over the summer. But you should. Did you get a chance to read during the school year? I mean did you get a chance to read a book you actually wanted to read in your spare time as opposed to one you were assigned to read? Seriously, books can be enjoyable despite what teachers make you think. So stop at the library, or the used book store, or the Barnes and Noble (or even Amazon if you don’t feel like leaving the house) and get a book. Read a little bit of it every day. Maybe, just maybe, read more than one this summer? Just read. Reading is fun and it helps work your brain. Plus who doesn’t love sitting out in the sun on a beautiful day with a good book?
Hit the gym
And if the gym costs are holding you back, hit the pavement. The world is your playground when it comes to working out. There are even workout options that allow you to get fit without leaving the house. Some even help you work out while you watch your favorite TV shows. Studies show that exercise for one hour a day, three days a week improves attention and memory, and will make you feel all around better.
Get a job
Because a little extra money in the bank and a little extra cash in your pocket wouldn’t kill ya’. Whether it’s a part time job you’ll keep for the foreseeable future, a summer job just for now, or a babysitting gig that comes around a few times a month spending some of your summer break earning money is a good plan. So start saving for that dream vacation to Greece, Italy, or Punta Cana now!
See your friends
Do things, or don’t do things. Go on crazy road trips, or sit around and eat pizza. Whatever you prefer, just remember that your friends are there for you whenever you need an excuse to leave the house for a little bit because your family is driving you crazy.
Hug your mom
When was the last time you told your mom how much she means to you? She does so much and deserves a hug every once in a while. Being away at college for an entire year and learning to be more responsible has definitely given me a new found appreciation for everything my mom does.
Eat healthy
Sometimes healthy food tastes good. I promise. You don’t have to try that crazy new diet that only allows you to eat lemons for three days either! Just cut back on the bad stuff and eat more of the good stuff.
Get the right amount of sleep
According to the national sleep foundation young adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Take this summer to try and go to bed a little earlier and get your full rest so you can have more productive days. Getting the right amount of sleep also boosts your metabolism and can sometimes clear up your skin.
Learn something new
Learn to knit. Learn to cook. Learn a new language. Learn to play tennis. Just learn something. It’ll be fun and you will have a new talent to show off to all of your friends.
Take a trip
Depending on the time and the money you have, trips can vary. It can be a day trip to the beach or a month long tour of Europe. Either way, take a break from your everyday life, explore, and make memories. Oh, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
Quit that bad habit
Since last summer, maybe you have found yourself partaking in that one really nasty habit you know you should quit. So stop smoking. Stop biting your nails. Cut back on coffee, alcohol, social media, naps, whatever you think your bad habit is. It takes 21 days to break a habit, so start now.
The summer is going to fly by. So get to it!
