We’ve all been there at some point: it’s finals week, the sun is shining and you have a mental bucket list of all the things you want to do, places you want to see, and projects you have planned for the summer. One thing gets in front of the other, you blink, and it’s suddenly the end of August, one week before school starts back up. However, all you’ve actually accomplished is bringing up your average screen time by four hours and bedrotting, leading to waves of regret washing through you.
Why didn’t you go to that beach? Try that new restaurant? Or read the new book by your favorite author? How come the high UV and blissful sunshine that you now yearn for as school starts didn’t have the same effect on you for the rest of the summer?
As someone who has unfortunately experienced something just like this, I am determined to change the pattern this summer. Since I often feel overwhelmed by having free weeks in front of me (a sudden switch from school days, homework, practice and race days) I’ve found maintaining some sort of structure during the sunshine months is what works best for my mental and physical well being. Here are some of the methods I employ to keep my mind and mood engaged and positive.
- Work through volunteering or jobs
I find that doing some form of hard work to contribute to the community, paid or unpaid, helps give me committed activities to help structure my days. What I love about this is there is a bit more freedom around choosing something that you’re passionate about. For example, I volunteer at Blue Spring Farms and Food Gatherers over the summer, since I love being outside and helping those in need however I can. If you’re looking for a job, many food and retail stores hire teenagers and it can be a nice alternative if you prefer a more air conditioned atmosphere during the summer. Overall, doing something like this provides new opportunities to learn and meet new people without lots of extra burden outside of your assigned working hours.
- Reading
This might seem like a recommendation that’s an echo of forced English class analyzation written in stuffy paragraphs, or the threat of assigned reading over the summer. However, I am a strong believer that there’s a book, genre and author out there for everyone. And I’ll be the first to tell you that not every story has to be super deep and life changing – taking up light and fluffy reads with romance, friendship or fantasy is still a valuable way to consume literature and expand your mind through storytelling. I’m still an advocate for many of the classics, but finding a healthy balance of all types can be a fun way to travel to hundreds of different worlds while staying nestled in your bed.
- Physical activity
As someone who does a year round sport, I often welcome the summer as a chance to relax and take a break from endless training and racing. But, this doesn’t mean I don’t like being active – I’ll always value the guaranteed serotonin rush after a hard workout. I like taking the free summer hours, and beautiful weather to work out in ways that are more of a novelty to me, like biking, running, trying new weight machines at the gym, or even rock climbing. Paddling the Huron, or going on walks in the Arb are just some examples of ways I like to acquaint myself with nature while staying physically active. A bonus is getting a nice tan from all the UV exposure (with sunscreen, of course!)
- Crafts
Last, but not least, one of my favorite things to do during summer is create all the things I push aside during the school year. That random video on Instagram about how to sew felt crafts, or the matching tie dye shirts with my best friends. Taking this off-time to create things at my own pace, and not being rushed by constant stressors during the school year make me enjoy the creative process so much more. I don’t have to worry about things like the fact that I might have a Chemistry test next week, or early morning practice tomorrow. I encourage you to use this summer to tap into your inner child, and harness your creativity in whatever way you see fit. Some crafts I’ve enjoyed in the past include painting tote bags, sewing patchwork shirts and dyeing my own clothes
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