It’s May. On the surface, this means summer break is here and the semester is over. For a few lucky people it means “Oh my gosh, I just graduated from college.” Schedules all of a sudden go from clogged with more papers than you could possibly write to near nothing. Even those of us lucky enough to have summer jobs still feel the relief that comes when academics aren’t controlling or lives. There is an inherent joy that is associated with the oncoming of summer and the ending of yet another chapter in one’s life. However, there is a part of summer break which lies under the surface that is rarely talked about, probably because it’s the negative part and who wants to talk about that? Well, I do.

I am referring to, of course, the Summer Slump. Urban Dictionary defines the Summer Slump as “a period during summer in which a person performs inefficiently due to the excessive amount of free time on their hands.” The definition continues to provide a list of causes of said slump, citing “Lack of school or a job, absence of friends, insufficient funds, and/or lack of transportation.” While this is a pretty good list, my own list would also include the sheer weight of transitioning from one avenue of life to another. It’s hard to go from being surrounded by like-minded individuals to being surrounded by the very people who made you want to go away for college in the first place (high school peers or in some cases our families). It’s hard to go from the hustle and bustle of going from class to that can’t miss lunch date with your best friend to that meeting with your advisor followed by a meeting with your club or Greek organization. It’s hard to go from the constant adrenaline rush that is deadlines and due dates to the sheer lethargy of your only decision being whether or not you should get out of bed today. This transition can cause symptoms akin to depression; the lethargy and the listlessness can culminate into a level of laziness and disinterest that you’ve never experienced. However, there is a way to fight these feelings:

1. Join a Gym.

You remember how you were talking about getting in shape all year long but never got around to even stepping foot in the rec because you were just too busy? Now you’re not busy; go out to your local gym and do something about it!

2. Find a Hobby.

This summer, to fight my own slump, I have elected to start writing a novel. But obviously, writing isn’t for everyone so try to remember what your interests were before college life dismantled your concept of free-time. Whether it be crafting, jogging, video games, or practicing your cello, find something that brings you joy and be consistent with it.

3. Get an Internship or Find a Job.

Now this may seem easier said than done, but there are buku possibilities out there and I am part of a camp of people who believes that everyone can find something even if that means adjusting your expectations. Experiences are gems and each new experiences has the possibility of being life changing. Don’t turn your nose down at a job or internship opportunity just because it’s not perfect.

4. Get Ahead for Next Semester.

Now I know what most of you may be thinking – NEEERRDDD – but trust me, it works. Some of us get addicted to the academic lifestyle and I am here to tell you that it is A-Okay to have already looked up the syllabi for your classes in the fall and started planning out exactly how you will procrastinate each and every assignment. If you are taking a literature class, read one or two of the books you’ll be reading. Taking a PoliSci class? Keep current political events in your back pocket. It helps the time go by and you are being a responsible adult by actively preparing for the future

5. Hang on to your Friends.

This may seem self-explanatory, but I’ve heard so many of my friends tell me that they hate summer because their friendships become damaged and estranged. It doesn’t have to be that way. Go beyond the constant diatribe of texting the same thing every day and call them. Or make arrangements to visit your friends. Yes, I know that transportation can a problem for some but there are workable ways around that if you put your mind to it. I do not have a car but I have been to three graduation parties, a wine tasting, and the St. Louis Zoo since my summer started just a few weeks ago. Make plans! And I don’t mean the casual kind that you make in passing; make actual detailed plans. Make the idea concrete so no one really has the option to back out. Commit to the ideas!

Now, there is one more piece I can say when it comes to fighting the summer slump: remember that life goes on. You may be bored now and you may be feeling some type of way because your “life just flipped turned upside down” (thank you, Fresh Prince) but this is just a relatively short period in the otherwise eventful timeline that is your life. The fall semester will come, for those readers who are still in school, and you will be reunited with your campus and friends soon. For the graduates, this is the beginning of an entirely new chapter in life and you now have a whole BS or BA degree, or what have you, as a tool to help you navigate these new experiences – so go forth and conquer!

Have a good summer everyone!