What types of things are you still looking forward to this summer? This time of year is made to relax and recover from a year of college life, and whether or not you’re working, traveling or setting aside time to completely chill, here are some simple incentives to consider to make the upcoming months productive and fulfilling.
Media detox
If you’re anything like me, I freak out if my phone isn’t next to me when I go to sleep and get up in the morning. It’s no surprise I’ve become so dependent. It’s easy to get caught up in social media, and most sights don’t look as beautiful on a phone as they do in real life. Put your phone on airplane mode in times where life is breathtaking or just whenever you feel that you can. So many things can be missed in the time it takes to scroll through a news feed.
Look through old photos
One of the best ways to learn more about yourself (and have a good laugh) is by rediscovering moments captured throughout your childhood. It’s fascinating to realize what was considered fashionable fifteen years ago in contrast with now. The combination of adorable, hilarious and sometimes incredibly embarrassing photos will lift your spirits up. Choose the ones you like best, frame them and put them in an open area of your room.
Let your skin breathe
Allow yourself to appreciate your appearance in a natural light. There’s no need to feel insecure, embrace what you’ve got going on naturally. Don’t feel pressured to look any way except how you want to. Summer is an ideal time to be low-key with makeup and not use heavy foundation and synthetic face cosmetics for a few days and applying SPF instead, your skin will appreciate it. If you’re feeling less inclined, a little BB cream and a light highlighter can brighten up your look. Or you can just throw on your favorite sunglasses.
Call your grandparents, and grab lunch with them if you can
It means so much to your close relatives that you’re thinking of them. Whether it be a voicemail, a handwritten note, a movie date or just a trip to Waffle House, make the initiative to reach out. Play a card game, put together a puzzle or help your grandparents by taking them to their favorite stores or restaurants that they don’t usually get to go to.
Read a book that captivates you
Is there a particular comedian, actress or artist who’s work has you interested lately? A historical era that fascinates you? A novel in the process of being made into a film soon? Enjoy what your choice of book as to offer. Allow yourself to be heartbroken, confused, disappointed, frustrated or potentially motivated by the storyline.
Do something outside your norm
Ride your bike instead of driving, write a short story, go roller blading, go to the library. Wear a new shade of lipstick or make a statement with eyeliner just for the fun of it. Play a new sport, like tennis, even if you think you’re terrible at it, you can’t really know for sure! Embarassing moments make great stories, and anyway, the intented effort of trying is what ultimately counts!
Buy a small plant
Stop at your local garden store and pick up a small succulent or flower pot. Take initiative to water it and make it a priority to actually keep it alive and growing. Prove to yourself that you can take cake of it! If you have extra time for a fun diy, buy some craft paint and a little ceramic pot and decorate it to stand out in a corner of your room.
Listen to live music
Go to a concert by a band you really, wholeheartedly love and have been wanting to see for a while. Take a walk in a park that has local art and special performances from time to time. Discover new artists you havent heard of before and make playlists to listen to on the car ride to work, cleaning your room or just when you’re in need of motivation to get things done.
Exercise
Try out a new class at your gym. Many gyms offer discounts and specials for college students who are back home for the summer. Before you think about how you’ll look taking Zumba class, try it out and see if its fun! Becoming stronger in a new way and meeting new people might be worth the experience. If a gym isn’t an option, take your dog to the park or explore new areas you could go for a nice walk around.
Enjoy doing things on your own
Find a hip coffee shop where you can read a book for leisure and enjoy it. Enjoy a cappuccino, cordito or cafe con leche without knowing the difference of what they actually are. Search out a record store and score vinyl that sounds like your parents favorites when you were young. Have a browse in the thrift store you’ve never been to, you might find something completely unique and cool.
Be optimistic
Don’t get caught up in small insecurities and setbacks; life is full of them, and the best step is forward. Stand beside those who support you and your decisions most. Always listen to your inner voice of reason while allowing yourself to see others perspectives in light of your own. Everything becomes easier once you realize you are solely in charge of your own life and happiness.
Write out your goals
Buy a cute notebook that you bring with you most of the time. Take some time to reflect on what sits at the top of your priorities and where you aim to improve. Prioritize the small habits that will amount to progress and ultimately the change you were seeking.
Have a wonderful summer!
In these lovely months leading up to the fall 2016 semester, here’s a reminder to enjoy every second of what this summer brings!