Now that I’m done with my first year of college and I’m home for the summer, I have a lot of time to reflect and remember. I realized I am a completely different person with different views and values coming out of college than I had entering college. And changing when you come to college is okay! It’s expected and a necessary part of maturing through life.

One has to go through those tough battles in college like breaking down in the library because it’s 1 a.m. and you still didn’t study for that test, realizing that one frat boy you hooked up with probably isn’t the love of your life, or even realizing who your real friends are at the end of the day. But experiencing all these firsts, despite having a year of totally awesome fun, can take an impact on your mental, emotional, and sometimes even physical health. Summer 2018 is the perfect time to take a step back and treat it as a ‘recovery summer’ and here’s how you can:

1. Invest more in your skincare Regimen

A lot of the times my skin was the last thing on my mind in college. After coming back to my dorm and passing out with a full face of makeup after a lit night out or rushing to get to class and barely paying attention to what my skin needs, I neglected skin care - a lot. But with the summer sun out, I definitely want to make sure I glow for pictures. Investing in face masks, researching tips on your skin type, and overall just working towards clearer skin is a great way to relax and recover.

2. Exercise!

I visited the Rec center whenever I could, but there were times in my schedule where fitting in a quick workout was not possible. And I definitely have friends that didn’t even glance in the Rec Center’s direction all school year. Taking this summer to focus on your body getting more exercise and activity is a great way to improve your physical health. And definitely after having eaten so much delicious Mexican food around the Tucson area!

3. Getting a job

Working during the summer might seem the opposite of recovering and relaxing but just hear me out. After visiting so many cool new restaurants in Tucson, buying new clothes on University Blvd, and spending money on other ‘college kid activities’ your bank account might be a bit dry. I know mine was after leaving Tucson. Getting a job is a great job to make your wallet fat again, gives you something to focus on for the summer months, and looks good on your resume!

4. Get rid of toxic relationships

Coming back home for the summer you get to see a lot of old friends/relationships. Some of those people might be old best buddies or people you want to avoid at all cost. That’s completely okay. Changing in college, and realizing some old relationships aren’t good for you is natural and a sign of maturity. It’s just up to you to cut ties and let go to better your mental and emotional health.

5. Get out as much as possible

You don’t want to spend these next few months holed in and depressed because you aren’t with your friends at UofA. Treat these summer months as a way to get out, experience things, and take in as much sun as needed (even though that’s not a problem in Arizona!) Go to the beach, take a hike, visit that new shop in your hometown, take your mom to lunch, the list is endless! Recovery doesn’t mean be lazy and sit around the house all day. Try new things and see new people during these summer months.