Summer vacation: an almost sacred phrase to students. While all responsibilities don't magically disappear with the final bell, there is a significant amount of time freed up in the absence of study session or lectures. There are many ways to squander this time, true. Yet, with the right mindset, you can make summer not only enjoyable but an eye-opening and productive period.

1. Learn a new skill

Without the pressures of school, it is easier to pick up a new hobby. Between your summer job and hanging with friends, use this time to hone your hobby. There are a multitude of activities or skills you can master. This new skill can be anything from the practical learning how to change a tire to learning how to do hula-hoop tricks. Your brain will thank you for the stimulation and you can get a cool party trick out of it. My personal recommendation is learning a new language- fun and practical!

2. Give yourself time to relax

Life can be a lot sometimes. If you have a free minute, don't be afraid to just hang out.

3. Find an internship

There are a wide array of internships you can apply for. Ideally, you'd apply for positions that would offer you experience in your future field or for a cause you care about. Not only will you learn and network from these internships, they're great additions to any resumes. The College Board has a great article detailing the benfits of internships and offers resources for finding openings here.

4. Spend time with the people you love

The people in our lives make all the grinding worth it. Don't forget to spend some good quality time with old friends and family. This means putting away your phone and forgetting about your email in order to be truly present with them. Time spent with your loved ones is never time regretted. This will decrease your stress and give you great memories!

5. Practice self-care

Self-care doesn't just mean face masks or bath bombs (even though those really are bomb). Sometimes self-care means making a budget, going to the gym or even giving yourself affirmations in order to stay grounded and motivated to achieve your goals. With the extra time that summer allows, be a champion of self-care. By September, you'll appreciate the changes you've manifested into your life.