As the temperature increases, and schools begin to ring their final bell, it is apparent that the summer season is quickly approaching. Here's some ways to make the most out of the best time of the year!
1. Freeze your social media accounts.
Before you gasp and find a more reasonable article to read, think about it. Ten years ago, you probably didn't even know what Instagram was, and "tweeting" was just something that birds did. If you lived without it back then, you can survive without it now. I speak from experience! For the first time this summer, I retired my favorite apps: Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr. I took into account all the negative consequences of my media obsession, and found the will to delete them (Okay, maybe I had to hand my phone to a friend to do the deed for me). In the short week that I’ve been media-free, I’ve already improved my self-confidence, gotten better sleep, and spent more time with my family. If you feel like there are some apps that are wasting your time, delete them for the summer! You can last 2 months, I believe in you.
2. Journal.
Buy yourself a cute little notebook, and document your summer! This does not need to be incredibly time consuming. There’s no need for incredibly detailed and well-written entries (Unless you’re into that). Just title each page with the date, and write short bullets about your day: Who you saw, where you went, what you did, what you felt. It’ll be fun to look back at these entries when the weather gets cold again or school starts up.
3. Learn to love your own company.
Who will always agree with your movie choices? You. Who won’t care if you haven’t brushed your hair all day? You. Who won’t judge you for having ice cream for dinner? You. Sometimes the best person to hang out with is yourself, and you should try that this summer. Some alone time will improve your focus and relax your mind.
4. Spend time with nature.
Whether it’s a hike in your backyard, swimming in a refreshing river, feeding ducks at a local pond, or even just lying in the grass reading your favorite novel, nothing beats the outdoors. If you think it’s too hot outside, lie in the shade. If it’s too sunny, put on some sunblock and sunglasses. If it’s raining, put on a hoodie and rain boots and dance in the rain, splash in puddles. You can surf the net whenever, but why not appreciate the outdoors during the most welcoming time of year. At the end of the summer, you may not remember that Tuesday in July that you spent binge-watching Netflix, but you will remember the beautiful hidden path you discovered when exploring the trails one day.
5. Wake up early, take a shower, and put on real clothes (Not pajamas).
Nothing says summer like sleeping until 2 in the afternoon (Trust me, I’m a high school student, I know). This summer I urge you to set a morning alarm. I’m not talking anything crazy, like 5 AM, but waking up at 8 or 9 will not kill you. Those extra hours in the morning will let you kick start your day. By taking a shower and getting changed, you are telling yourself that you are ready to face the day. These early hours are a prime time for getting stuff done: Run some errands, get in a quick workout, grab a coffee, visit a friend. This will help improve your productivity.
6. Stay sharp.
For students especially, the summer can feel like a time to kick back and let laziness take over. Without homework, there’s more time for watching Netflix. Please resist the urge this time around! Stop by the library, pick up a novel, and set a goal for when you want to finish it. It doesn’t need to be anything difficult, and certainly shouldn't be anything boring. Pick your favorite genre: Heartfelt romance, captivating horror, terrific sci-fi, celebrity biographies, and anything in between. Even rereading an old novel that you already know you love is good for the brain. Maybe give writing a try, too. Activities like reading and writing are always more enjoyable when they’re not mandatory, and summer is the perfect time to test this theory out.
7. Treat yourself.
If buying a new bikini will make you happy, do it. If cookie dough ice cream makes you happy, have some. I can understand the whole “living in moderation” theory for most of the year, but summertime is a nice time to break this, even if it’s just once or twice.
8. Family time.
If you’re lucky enough to have loving family members close by, spend time with them. It’s simple. If you usually spend all day in school, like me, summer is filled with unusual free time. Instead of watching that movie, go visit your grandparents. Or ask them to watch it with you. Family is everything.
9. Spend time with people who make you feel good.
Summer is a time where you’re not obligated to see anyone that you do not want to see. If there’s someone who degrades you, puts you down, or disrespects you, disconnect from them this summer. You do not deserve that type of treatment. Instead, hang out with the people that you can be yourself around. Find friends that you can completely let loose around. Summer should be filled with real friends and real laughter and really good times.
10. Learn how to do something new.
Whether it’s crocheting, calligraphy, makeup, baking, or biking, a new hobby can improve your summer tenfold. Who knows, you might find your destiny!
