During the three-month period of no school and all fun, we must remember that there are things we need to get done.
1. Break a Sweat
Staying in shape over the summer is tricky, but definitely doable. If you are anything like me, you have friends who are constantly asking you to go out and grab ice cream or meet up at the local burger joint to scarf down some fries. Eating like this is okay every once in awhile, as long as you are making sure you are devoting plenty of time to the one friend who will never get you fat: the gym.
Even if it is only for thirty minutes a day, going to the gym should always be part of your routine. Not only is it important to continue looking great, but it is also important to continue feeling great. The endorphins you release when working out trigger positive feelings in your body, ultimately putting you in a good mood and giving you energy for the rest of your day. So, start every morning with a big glass of O.J. and a trip to the gym and you will be ready to go!
2. Get a Job
If you have very little work experience, finding employment might not be easy at first. As a recent high school graduate with only an internship on my record, it took me weeks to find a place willing to hire me. Do not be discouraged when employers turn you down. All you need is that one boss who interviews you and says, "so when can you start?"
Once you get a job, you will see that working will definitely make you feel productive. Whether you are running around to seat people at the next available table or you are finding the proper size in a dress for a picky customer, you will be busy scurrying around to get your tasks done. It might be a burden to work early mornings or late nights, but once you get that paycheck, everything (literally) pays off.
3. Give Back
Getting involved in your community is even easier over the summer. If you want to stay active and spend a lot of time outside, there are plenty of children's camps you can volunteer for. If you would like to help out at some of the summer schools in the area, there are plenty of teacher assistant positions you can pursue. If you would prefer to not spend time with children, you can also volunteer for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest. The volunteer opportunities are endless and each one of them is for a good cause, so why not donate your time and make a difference?
4. Exercise Your Mind
Like exercising your body, it is imperative to exercise your mind. Read a popular novel that your friend referred to you. Watch the national news before you go to bed. Read an article or two on The New York Times in your spare time (and if you are not a New York Times fan, Cosmopolitan works too). Watch TED Talks as you eat breakfast. Make it a goal of yours to learn something new everyday, and you will not go back to school thinking, "Wow, I was so lazy over the summer."
5. Start a Project
Come up with something that you want to do and make plans to have it finished by the end of the summer. For example, I have two medium-sized canvases that I am planning on putting together to create one large masterpiece. On each canvas I have drawn half of a girl's head, which will eventually be put together to create a full face. From there, I have been working on creating a unique setting on one side of her head and a totally different one on the other side. The objective is for it to look like half of the girl is in another, imaginary world while the other girl is in a realistic world. My goal is to have this completed by the end of the summer so that I can have it hung up in my dorm by the time fall semester rolls around.
6. Get Organized
Many people go back to school in the fall feeling unprepared for what lies ahead of them. In order to avoid this, start getting organized now. If you have to load up on color-coordinated binders, do it. If you have to buy a new planner and download an app that will periodically send you alerts, do it. If you have to clean out your closet and get donate half of your wardrobe, do it. Do whatever you have to do to make yourself feel comfortable and equipped for the future.
