With less than two weeks of school left, it is finally sinking in: summer is here. While it is exciting to think about warmer weather, beach trips, spending some time at home, settling into Memphis for the summer, or packing your bags for a foreign destination, there is that lurking concern about leaving the structure of the school year for three months. Especially for those leaving an environment of full independence to return under your parent’s roof, the bliss of home-cooked meals, a shopping day with mom, and getting some advice from dad, can quickly become smothering, and you find yourself wishing desperately for your life back at Rhodes. Here are a few tips about how to stay sane this summer:
Think positive: See summer as a time to reset. Reflect on what you liked about this year, what you wish you would have done differently, and comfort yourself with the fact that you have a fresh start in August. Set a few personal goals to achieve before August (writing them down is always helpful!). You have three months to make positive changes before another chaotic school year begins, so don’t waste any time deciding on what changes you want to see in yourself!
Get in shape: The summer is a perfect time to get that body you’ve been wanting. Warm weather, bathing suits, and shorts are the best motivation to work out regularly and alter your diet. Keep water with you all day, create a diet plan depending on what your typical day will be like this summer, and keep track of your progress. You will be glad you did it when you make a lasting impression at Welcome Week!
Sharpen your mind: Being away from the classroom for three months can leave you feeling brain dead by the end of the summer. If you have an internship or are taking summer classes, you already have stimulating work built into your schedule. If this isn’t the case for you, make a reading list you want to accomplish before school starts again, or at least make sure to read the news everyday to keep up on current events. Summer is the time to relax, not to be lazy. You’ll be glad you are still on top of your game when classes start up in August.
Get some rest: During the school year, we rarely give ourselves a chance to truely relax. Even though you may be busy this summer, use your time away from campus to and catch up on much needed sleep, or at least allow yourself to have some more downtime. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and prepared for another crazy year!
Have a safe and happy summer, Collegiettes!