Now that July is upon us (June, where did you go, seriously?), and you are probably getting into a steady routine at your summer internship, job, classes, or—maybe, if you’re lucky, lounging by the pool—you may find yourself in the midst of a summer slump. The initial post-finals summer excitement has worn off, and you are starting the feel a bit of pressure to dial down a little on the Netflix and make the most of your summer. Follow these following tips to make sure this summer is one for the history books or, at the very least, scrapbooks:
1. Sleep
Remember those times during finals (or, OK, actually more like all year) when you were in the library sipping on yet another cup of coffee at 2 a.m. and all you wanted to do was sleep? Well now, you finally have your chance. And not only that, but you can actually make an effort to sleep well. Put some lavender under your pillow, turn off all electronic devices an hour before bed, take a piping hot bubble bath, slip on your comfiest PJs, and drift away to la-la land. Go ahead and indulge yourself, because before long you’ll be back and school and you’ll have to make that awful pick two out of three choice—grades, sleep, and/or social life—again.
2. Music
Music makes everything better. This is a scientific fact. So, when you have to wake up early during the week and all you can think about is how much you wish you didn’t have to have to be awake, turn on some music to improve your mood and get you pumped for the day ahead. To make it even more fun, you can make playlists based on the day, weather, your zodiac sign…get creative.
3. Try Something New
So you know that thing you’ve wanted to start all year, but haven’t had the time to do? Maybe it’s martial arts classes, cooking, starting a scrapbook, keeping a diary, hitting the gym, or checking out a new restaurant near where you live. Whatever it is, you seriously need to carpe diem this summer, both for your own sake and for your friends who don’t want to hear you complain two million times next year about how you “never have time to go birdwatching”—or, more likely, binge watch your favorite show on Netflix.
4. (Re)-Connect With Family
During the school year, it’s so easy to get so caught up in college life—schoolwork, friends, sports, clubs, etc.—that speaking with family members can become a second priority. Summer is the perfect time to spend quality time with a family member—enjoy a nice meal or do an activity you both like together. Or, if that isn’t possible, pick up the phone or even send an old-fashioned letter to update your family on your life. They will appreciate the gesture, and you’ll feel more grounded. I should note here that, of course, everyone has different relationships with their biological family, so this can be interpreted more broadly as anyone you think of as family.
Follow these tips, and you can be sure that the next time anyone asks you what time it is, you will shout “Summertime!” at the top of your lungs! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)
