During the school year, most of us are swamped with essays, assignments, tests, and readings. This leaves us with no free time to be productive in other areas of our lives. Sure, we may daydream about lounging in bed, doing nothing—but is that really how you would like to spend your entire summer? Speaking from experience, though doing absolutely nothing may seem like the best idea halfway through writing your final exam, it almost never seems satisfying or rewarding at the end of summer when you come to the realization that you have accomplished nothing. Summer is the perfect opportunity to do things you normally don’t have time for during the school year, here are a few examples:
1. Get in Shape:
Exercising or being active in general is something all of us strive for, but never actually get around to doing. Wolfing down slice after slice of pizza may be justifiable during the school year, but not during the summer. With all your free time, it is very important to look after yourself. Not so you can achieve the perfect beach body (though that could be a reason), but so your overall health is better. After all the stress, unhealthy food, and sitting around you put your body through during the school year, it is essential to improve both your mental and physical health over the summer by hitting the gym, taking walks, or even kicking a ball around at the park. Exercising doesn’t have to be a treacherously tedious event—set simple and realistic goals for yourself; such as working out 4 times a week, or learning a new sport, or even just walking to places rather than driving.
2. Write:
Like reading, you may have done a lot of writing during the school year. However, essays and assignments don’t really allow you to be creative or get your personal thoughts down on paper. Writing about the real meaning of a short story, whether democracy is a successful regime, or how to treat green house gasses doesn’t really encourage your creative juices to flow or offer a chance for your writing to be cathartic. Writing can actually be fun and cleansing for the soul. Start by keeping a journal, writing stories or poems for fun, or even making to-do lists.
3. Read:
Reading may sound like the most unappealing idea after all the textbooks you poured over all semester, but reading for pleasure is entirely different. You may not be the most avid reader, but I guarantee that finding a book that you find interesting will be well worth your while. Make a visit to the library, or a bookstore—hours spent reading are hours well spent. People that read regularly are proven to have superior communication, written, and comprehensive skills in comparison to those who don’t. If you are still not convinced, read for the sake of improving your vocabulary, grammar, and social skills. They will surely come in handy when interacting with people, writing essays, job interviews, and in life in general.
4. Volunteer:
There is nothing quite like the sense of reward you feel after you have spent time doing something for a good cause. Volunteering really only requires one thing—your time. Time is essentially the best gift you can give someone, as we all value it greatly. Even though most of us would like to get paid for our time and efforts over the summer, it is worth your while to help out at a shelter, food bank, or any place you feel passionately about. Volunteering allows you to connect with others, gain experience, and open your eyes and mind to things you may never have come to terms with otherwise.
5. Pick Up a New Hobby:
Spending time doing something other than staring at your computer and phone screens is not the end of the world. This summer, learn how to play an instrument, how to paint/draw, or how to cook. All of this can easily be learned through Youtube videos and online resources. Having random skills in your repertoire adds to your character and who you are. In addition, it opens you up to a whole new world of learning.
6. Update Your Resume + Apply for Jobs:
Chances are, most of us would like to make something of ourselves after graduating. Whether that is right out of university/college, or after graduate school. In either case, relevant experience is extremely important. Both for being hired, but also for you to figure out whether or not you would like to pursue the career choice you have chosen for yourself. It is a good habit to update your resume regularly, as your experiences and skills are always changing. Remember to only include the most relevant information pertaining to the job you wish to apply to. Your resume is the first thing employers look at before actually meeting you—so make sure your resume accurately reflects the person you are and delivers a good impression.
7. Take a Class:
Not classes that count for school credits (though that is an option), but something you have always wanted to do or learn about. Browse the web for photography classes, pottery classes, yoga classes, and everything under the sun in your area. Many classes and workshops pop up around various parts of the city over the summer and it is easy to join in on the fun. It may be possible to learn things on your own, but taking a class is usually more thorough and detailed. Some classes might even provide all the materials you need for an affordable price. Classes and workshops also provide a chance for you to meet new people who share the same interests as you.
8. Explore:
No matter where or how you spend your summer, there are plenty of things near and far that you have not seen and investigated. Go for a bike ride or a hike in an area you are unfamiliar with and see what you can find. Walk down that alley or street you have always noticed, but never explored. Try to reach the top of a hill that you have only seen from below. If you want to go even further, take a road trip or go backpacking. Discovering new places and expanding your knowledge of the world around you is always productive and insightful.
Image Sources:
http://www.cairnsunlimited.com/images/i/running_on_the_beach.jpg
https://dzftds8z9s83c.cloudfront.net/wordpress_images/images/production/…
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9laGB3715E/UDCI2qLaCrI/AAAAAAAACuQ/2nQ_1CrozE…
http://freehdwalls.net/wp-content/uploads/camera-canon-hi-tech-beach-moo…