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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SAU chapter.

It is getting to that time of year; summer! Finally, a time to ease the stress of the final and relax. Yes, some of you may be working and/or taking summer classes, but that does not mean you will not have the best summer. There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for the sunny and hot days.

  1. Create a Summer Playlist
    1. I began doing this last summer and I plan to do it again this summer. Sometimes, you just need a playlist to jam while the windows are down in your car (or even in your home while you are doing fun hobbies)! Some artists I have added to my playlist are:
      1. Biggie Smalls
      2. Tupac
      3. Snoop Dogg
      4. One Direction
      5. Doja Cat (obviously)
      6. Yung Gravy
      7. Harry Styles (obviously)
      8. Taylor Swift
      9. Jimi Hendrix
  2. Purchase a cute swimsuit
    1. I personally like one piece bathing suits but literally any swimming suit to start romanticizing the summer ahead. I tend to order everything online, but I know places like Victoria’s Secret, Old Navy, and Target usually have good ones.
  3. Exfoliation and Moisturization
    1. Get that body into summer mode and start taking care of it! Personally, I use an exfoliating body polish (Dove is a great one for this) once a week and I make sure to use Lubriderm lotion on my body (I cannot use scented ones since I have Eczema, but those are good as well to use). Also, I go the extra mile by using a moisturizing surge face spray (I highly recommend Clinique). Another great thing to do is use face masks as well! We need healthy skin in order to achieve an awesome body tan!
  4. Go through your sunscreen
    1. As someone who burns easily, I always take the time to see if I have the right sunscreen. Sometimes, they may be totally ancient so I throw those out. I am not too fancy and just buy whatever is at walmart. I personally recommend Banana Boat, but any will do. Also, see what SPF will benefit you. I tend to go too low and end up looking like a lobster for months! 
  5. Make sure to buy Aloe Vera
    1. As I stated above, I burn easily. Either I do not put on sunscreen or I forget to put it on different surfaces (I know we are all guilty). Aloe Vera was my best friend during my camp counseling job last summer! If I have a sunburn, I usually apply it twice a day (one in the morning and one at night). By then, it goes away on its own. 
  6. HYDRATE!
    1. Since I am an ex marching band kid, this phrase has been etched in my mind. Especially on those hot summer days. I know when I do not drink enough water while I am out in the sun, I develop a headache. Even buying an insulated thermos or hydro flask will motivate you to drink more water.

*SECRET TIP* Put fun and motivating stickers on it! I did that and now I drink much more water!

  1. Find fun things to do!
    1. It is so much fun to have plans during the summer so you are not sitting at home, eating chips, and on the couch (even though that is fine to do)! Even if it is going on a nature walk or going on a shopping spree. For me, I like to walk on bike trails and look at all of nature on the way. It grounds me back down to planet earth.
Dani Stevens is an editor at the HC chapter at SAU. She oversees article editing. Beyond HC, Dani is involved on campus in SAAT and symphonic band. She also works in the music department as a work study. Dani is majoring in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Special Education. In her free time, Dani plays clarinet and saxophone. She also is a mom to six plants. In the summer, she works as a camp coordinator. For this year, Dani is working in Adaptive and Inclusion through Davenport Parks and Recreation. She also runs her own podcast called Pop Culture Blast.