As the school year is coming to an end, I’m more than ready for summer to begin. Despite the rollercoaster weather, I can’t wait to feel the warmth of the sun kiss my skin once again. Here at UCR we are well approaching finals week, which has me, and most students, in a craze. Finals are stressful and we’re all tired, and it doesn’t help that all we can think about is the freedom we’ll have quite soon. I’ve found myself in overdrive, but also crashing – and let’s be honest, wanting to scream. I’m at that point where I just want to be done, and I know my brain needs a rest too. There’s nothing better than that first day of summer when the school quarter or semester is done, and you can finally relax. And while I can’t wait to do whatever my heart desires this summer, I’m also trying to be mindful of the things I do. Especially at the start of summer break, I want to engage in activities that will fuel my brain in positive ways. I have come up with a few things I will be doing at the start of summer that are all going to be part of my self care routine.
(Photo by Cristina Gottardi on Unsplash)
1. Go on a hike – or camping
The first thing I want to do after finals is take a hike, or even go camping for a weekend (realistically taking a LONG nap is the first but let’s not talk about that). This is the first activity on my list because I know that this will be the best way to clear my head, and to get it out of finals mode. There’s nothing more soothing that the sound of a running creak, the birds in trees, the wind rustling through, and the sun’s warmth on my skin.
(Photo by Kimson Doan on Unsplash)
2. A picnic with friends at the beach
Throughout the summer, I want to have picnics quite often with my friends. Not only is this a great way to destress, but it’s also a great way to spend an afternoon. The beach can be relaxing as you listen to good music, engage in fun conversation with your friends, or simply listen to the peacefulness of the waves crashing on the shore. There’s something that just screams summer to me about hanging out with friends on the beach, watching the sunset, eating great food, and listening to music. And if you stay past sunset, there’s always room for a bonfire!
(Photo courtesy of Smithsonian)
3. Film, film, film
If you know me at all, you know that I absolutely love spending my time watching tv shows and movies. The ability to put yourself in another world for a while is magical, and always eases my mind. Call it an obsession or what not, but I love spending time with my family going to watch movies or even bundled up at home doing so. You’ll definitely catch me this summer at the movies, at an outdoor cinema experience, and quite often at home binging Stranger Things or something else that has just been released. You will also probably find me analyzing, and in amazement, over the writing in these cinematic masterpieces (it’s the writer in me).
(Photo by Social Cut on Unsplash)
4. Enjoy an afternoon at a cafe
Being in college has definitely taught me that I actually love spending time alone at a cafe or restaurant. I used to be the type of person who always felt awkwarding eating alone, or just weird about it in general. But, it’s actually quite therapeutic. So one thing is for sure, this summer I do want to give myself some alone time to clear my thoughts. And of course, spending an afternoon at a cafe is a great way for me to do so. I’ll be able to get some journaling done, or read a book, or just enjoy the scenery, all while getting some coffee and food in my system. This is right up my alley of what self care looks like.
(Photo by Shrey Gupta on Unsplash)
5. A night of carnivals, festivals, or fairs
Summer is also one of the most magical times of the year for carnivals and festivals. So many different cities, areas in Los Angeles alone, that have carnivals/festivals/fairs that you can enjoy. This doesn’t have to be about spending a ton of money on games and rides either. I plan to use this an opportunity to hang with my friends, enjoy a funnel cake, and just have a great night. And of course, I do want to play a few games and get on a few rides.
P.s. for all of you insta baddies, carnivals are great places for photoshoots! Have fun, be creative, and let your mind run free.