Summer is almost coming to an end and it is almost time to head back to the “real world” for us college students. With this comes more responsibility, several of what we call midlife crises, and multiple all-nighters. If you are lucky enough to live by a beach, I suggest you head there right now, or at least once before you head back to college or work. Let me tell you why.

1. To Soak Up The Sun

...and tell everyone to lighten up! No? Okay. Well there are only so many things that can beat the feeling of the warm sun touching your skin. The sun can brighten up your day (literally) if you let it. With this said, make sure you pack your sunscreen and stay hydrated on your day-cation

2. To Get Away From Life

The beach should be your getaway. Get the perfect insta/snapchat pics and set that phone down so that you can enjoy the sound of the waves crashing or of the kids laughing. Unplug from reality and appreciate what is in front of you.

3. To Go On A Good Run (Or Walk)

The weather’s nice, the view is great, and the surround sound is relaxing. What else do you need for motivation? You cannot tell me that you would rather take the view that you get from running, or walking, on a treadmill over the beach view. You are going to love it so much that you will end up covering more than your usual distance.

4. To Cool Off In The Water

Have you heard of beach hair? It is actually a thing and a benefit of soaking your toes (and hair) in the water. Either way, what better way to cool off and forget about stressful times than taking a dip in the ocean water. This is probably one of my favorite things to do at the beach, until you get taken out by a wave, obviously.

5. To Take A Nice Nap

Perfect temperature, relaxing noise, no disruptions until the tide reaches your toes...what else could you ever want? The sand if more comfortable than you may think.

6. To Inhale Positivity

Look around. It is rare that you see angry people at the beach (unless the waves reached their belongings, of course). Kids are happily running around and building sand castles, parents are relaxing as their children are being kept busy, friends are all smiles as they toss a football or frisbee, and everyone else is chillin’. Now is a good time to appreciate what you have right in front of you rather than stress out about things that are not in your control.

7. To Watch The Sunset

C’mon, obviously! Sunsets on the beach are the best (although I have said that about many things). But really, it is a beautiful sight to see. Also, you cannot forget the golden hour aka the best time to take that selfie to show off to your friends how awesome you look and how great your beach trip was...or to just get a good picture for memories, that works too.

If you disagree with these reasons, take a beach trip anyway and prove me wrong. Of course every experience is different but a beach trip is what you make out of and it is a wonderful place to spend any day really, especially when you are in need of a break.