It’s the beginning of August, which means the end of summer break is near. For those of us headed back to school soon, those carefree summer days are coming to an end. Whether you’re anxiously awaiting the first day of classes, or dreading your fall semester course work, here are some tips on how to fully enjoy the rest of your summer.
1. Spend less time sleeping in.
Everyone loves sleep, myself included. In all honesty, I spent the first half of my summer catching up on all of the sleep I missed during the semester, which was a lot. However, the time you spend sleeping in can be spent doing plenty of other things. Whether it’s spending time with friends and family, or reading a good book, every minute counts. Go out and do as much as possible. Your bed will be there when you get back.
2. Don’t count calories.
Summer is a difficult time to focus on eating healthy. If you’re constantly going to the boardwalk or out to eat with your friends, it can be stressful trying to avoid eating junk. Trying to maintain your beach body is great, but indulging in life’s simple pleasures is even better. While I’m all for a healthy lifestyle, don’t hesitate to eat those fried Oreos or pig out at a barbecue. Enjoy yourself, there’s plenty of time to hit the gym later.
3. Don’t be afraid to take off work.
“I spend my entire summer working.” That’s the response I hear most when asking people how their summer was. Don’t get me wrong, working hard and making money in the summer is great. For a lot of people, the money you make in the summer is what gets you through the year. However, don’t hesitate to take a few days off for yourself. Go on a mini vacation, relax by the pool and don’t give working a second thought.
4. Treat yourself.
If you’ve been saving money from your summer job, don’t forget to actually spend some on yourself. After all, you worked hard for it. Don’t hesitate to spend money on good food. Treat yourself to a few drinks at the bar. That dress you want from Urban Outfitters? Buy it. Saving money is important, but don’t hold yourself back from spending it on the things you really want.
5. Don’t stress yourself out.
Whenever fall approaches, I tend to start worrying about things I hadn’t given a thought about all summer long. How am I going to pay for these ridiculously expensive textbooks? How am I going to balance work, school and a social life? Suddenly, all of these thoughts come rushing back into my head. While these things are important to worry about, they can be dealt with later on. Try to remain stress-free and enjoy the rest of your time off. Summer is short, and should be enjoyed to the fullest.
