Everyone knows that life is different in the summer. We’re happier, more care-free, soakin’ up that vitamin D. And it is for this reason that I believe summer is the absolute best time to get to know and build a solid relationship with one of the most important people in your life: you. Here’s why:
1. Different kinds of work.
Although you still may be busy with work and/or internships, they don’t require quite the same level of attention that homework and studying do. When you get off work for the day, you can usually go home and take care of yourself, even if it’s only for a few hours. Remember during the school year when you got home and had homework piled high until the wee hours of the morning? Yeah, not anymore, ‘cause it’s summertime. Use this time to practice self-care. Exercise, be outside, paint your nails, watch your favorite TV show and indulge in some Ben and Jerry’s. R&R is critical to maintaining a boss status.
2. Explore the great outdoors.
In your free-time, you have way more opportunity to spend time outside. For those of us in the Midwest, we know how important it is to make the most out of the summer months. Be one with nature. Try a new activity. Paddleboard, water ski, canoe. Add some scenery to your exercise routine by running on the trails or even gardening. Gardening is a workout and some studies even suggest that women who garden have stronger bones than those who swim or do water aerobics. Bottom line: spend some time taking care of your body and appreciating this world we’ve been given.
3. Get up early.
Waking up earlier is easier because the sun rises earlier. Spend a little time before your workday or even before a day of fun with a cup of coffee, tea or hot lemon water and just be grateful for today. Enjoy the cooler (but not subzero) temps and pray, meditate, read a book. Even if it’s rainy, sit on a porch or cuddle up with a blanket in your living room. I can’t think of a better way to start my day.
4. Embrace your inner child.
Something about summer just makes me nostalgic. I see kids riding their bikes to the swimming pool and ache to have that energy and not a care in the world again. But who says we can’t? If you have a free day, do the things you loved to do as a kid in the summertime. Play in the sprinkler, eat freezies, draw with chalk, go for bike rides, get a slip’n’slide, chase the ice cream man down the street, blow bubbles. Go back in time, even if it is just for a day.
5. Go somewhere new.
If you have the means, take a trip. If not, go somewhere new for a day. Explore a new part of your town. Experience a new place and broaden your horizon. Stepping outside your comfort zone is an opportunity to grow. Take it. Take it as many times as you can.
6. Get inspired.
Without the stress of school, I find myself at my happiest and this translates into a very inspired mood. Summer can be magical that way. What do you want most in your life? How can you achieve it? What’s one thing you can do today that will get you one step closer to your ultimate goal?
7. Develop healthy habits.
Even if you do have a job, your routine is most likely still different from the school year. So take this opportunity to jump right in and create a new routine with healthy habits. Bring a water bottle to work. Exercise right when you get home so you aren’t tired and spend the whole evening scrolling through your phone even though you meant to get something else done. Meal prep on Sundays. Whatever it is you’ve been meaning to do, start now.
8. Hold company with yourself sacred.
The older we get, the more we find ourselves spending summers in new places. Or we go home to work and our friends aren’t always around. My advice is to embrace this. Take advantage of this time alone to explore your individuality. What makes you unique? Get involved, volunteer, try new things. Who knows? You could find your passion. Don’t feel sorry for yourself. This is actually a very exciting time.
