This is, in my opinion, the worst possible time of year. Summer is within your grasp and you are fresh off of the last break of the year. In addition, we currently have a heat wave... well, a heat wave for Michigan anyway, and everyone is dying to put away their puffy NorthFace and get outside as often as possible. Within this heatwave and summer right around the corner, the urge to put your books to the side is all too tempting. You cannot give into this urge, you need to fight it. If you choose to give into your summer fever urges your grades will suffer, and you will be mad at yourself later. So, here are some tips that will allow you to stay on top of your A-game while still enjoying the spring!

Get outside.
No brainer here, just find some time to spend outside. Don't take the bus when the weather is this fabulous. You can also get in better shape from the winter months by adding some additional walking to your daily routine. It is fun to smell the roses as opposed to the students at 7:30 a.m. going to their 8 a.m.

Take study breaks with outdoor activities.
Similar to the last point, but as opposed to playing video games, watching television or doing indoor activities, go outside to take a break when you are stressed or need a homework break. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real thing; why do you think everyone is instantaneously so much happier when spring comes around the corner? So, when you get the opportunity to take a break from working, take a walk/run outdoors, throw a football around, walk to the library as opposed to getting a lift from a friend. Don't just hang out inside the walls of your apartment, switch it up for a change and take it outdoors.

Keep the end goal in mind.
For MSU, our final week of classes is the last week of April. That, in all reality, is NOT that far away! Summer is obviously what we are all looking forward to, and when you have that in the back of your mind when you are working so hard to earn that 4.0 this semester, everything will pay off and you can tan away the summer with no regrets from this year.

Get out your summer clothes.
As I mentioned earlier, nothing feels better than saying a final goodbye to the dreaded NorthFace until next year. While you bury it, take a chance to evaluate your spring/summer wardrobe. Do you have an adequate amount of shorts, crop tops and bikinis? (All are very important questions to ask.) Getting prepared for the weather can get you super excited for the spring and summer and you can easily online shop in one Internet window while studying for a quiz in another, easy peasy (don't actually do that unless you are sure you can nail that quiz).

If you live in Michigan, or a state that has a similar climate, enjoy the upcoming warmer weather and stay focused in these last few weeks! Summer will, of course, eventually arrive!