Before reading this article, please take a second to breathe in and out. No, actually breathe. If you need to, breathe in as the shape below expands, and breathe out as the shape collapses.
Now that you have taken your breaths, it is time to celebrate the end of the semester! We did it, you guys! Another semester of late night essays, hair-tearing group assignments and blood curdling screams of frustration is finally over. The first thing most people are probably thinking of doing in order to celebrate is going to the nearest bar and ordering the strongest drink our dwindling bank accounts can afford, but here are some suggestions for other (more healthy) ways to celebrate.
Hiking
Going hiking is a relaxing, invigorating and fulfilling experience. While some locations are more physically demanding than others, just walking around the Loch Raven Reservoir is enough to feel the benefits of hiking. Throughout the semester, it was excusable to skip the gym because of assignments, but now that we are offered a break from these, it's important to get back into regular routines of exercise. While the gym is great for exercise (obviously), being outdoors gives us the opportunity to exercise in a constantly changing environment. It can also give you time to reconnect with the people you ignored while you barricaded yourself in the library during finals week.
Go Explore the City
Before you think I'm asking you to go to Baltimore, relax. Go to a city you haven't been to before. Baltimore is great when you need a quick escape in the middle of the semester, but now that there are no more assignments, grab a bus ticket to Philly, New York or DC. Grab some friends and go to a city you've never visited to explore some new food, sights and museums.
Learn a New Skill
Just because the semester is over doesn't mean you can't learn something new, and the best way to learn new things is going out and actually doing them. It doesn't have to be a whole new language, and you don't have to become a pro, but summer is the perfect time to begin learning a new craft. With all of this extra time, you can learn things you actually want to learn. With resources like YouTube, learning these things can become much easier. Remember, "a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." You will be surprised how learning to sign, knit or play guitar can help you in the future.
Concerts / Theatre / Museums
Maybe acting or playing guitar isn't your thing, but that doesn't mean you can't support somebody else who did make it their thing. Try seeing a show or your favorite band when they're near your home town. You might even luck out and be able to complete number two on this list in order to see a cool show. Go to a museum to learn more about something you're passionate about! Not all museums are just rocks and paintings. There are numerous museums in the area dedicated to tattoos, wax figures and oddities.
Throughout your excursions this summer remember to take pictures and bring your friends along. Take the extra time off to have the fun you didn't get to have while you were writing papers and formulas.
