Routine out the window after exams? Hate the idea of spending summer clueless and without any solid plans? It’s totally normal to feel a little bit out of sorts when summer approaches. The idea of not having lectures to go to or assignment deadlines can actually be daunting for some (just stick with me here, ok?) It’s so easy to make yourself feel like utter rubbish for not having some sort of plan or routine for the summer, whether it be holidaying, working or interning. So, if you’re one of those people that is just itching to be busy this summer, here are some quick tips and tricks!
1. The first tip is simple really: don’t have plans? Make them.
Not everyone can go on holiday, but it doesn’t mean the summer is a complete write-off. There’s nothing worse than being bored to death by the place you call home and not being able to get away from it. Plan day trips to escape the familiarity of Durham or your hometown or book a night or two in another city with friends! Pro tip: use Air Bnb for cheaper and more versatile rooms with far more flexibility in terms of having your own personal living space and being able to cook your own meals. Thank me later.
2. Give yourself self-care goals for the week
Feel like getting your nails done? Need a haircut? Haven’t been outside in a day or two and need some fresh air? Think of things you should do that you know make you happy and refreshed, and, well, go ahead and do them. It can literally be anything. There’s no need to spend money if you don’t want to or can’t. Even if you schedule a night at a friend’s house cooking a meal together or with your parents watching a film. It can even be as small as getting out of bed an hour earlier or going to bed a little bit earlier. Just make yourself do things that you know make you feel happy and whole inside, no matter how big or small they may be. Do you!
3. Cook something, anything!
This can be such a fun thing to do – even if you’re a bit like me and, no matter how much you attempt to be creative, can only really cook pasta. *sighs* No biggie though. Just grab a recipe from online. Or throw some ingredients together and hope for the best. Either works. Honestly though, cooking a meal or baking a cake and it tasting nice is such an accomplishment and yes you should absolutely relish in your success by eating every single scrap (perhaps offering some to your housemates/parents/general scavengers). Do it. Make the food. Eat the food. Just try not to burn the food (also a note to myself, ha).
4. Do that thing you’ve been wanting to do
For me, it’s scrapbooking. Or focusing on writing more blog posts. I’m sure there’s something you’ve been wanting to do, a new hobby you’ve been meaning to pick up, but life’s general responsibilities have got in the way. Well, why not go ahead and do it? Assignments and revision are things of the past so go and pursue something besides your degree and, you know, enjoy your temporary freedom. Whatever it is I’m sure it will be more enjoyable than late night library sessions in the Billy B.