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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Waterloo chapter.
Read a book that isn’t on your syllabus

It may not sound like the best time to reach for a book after you’ve been studying for weeks, but hear me out. It can be rewarding to spend some time reading for your own enjoyment. It allows you to escape to a new world, and opens up your imagination to build your concept of the characters. Try reading a quick summer novel to start; it’ll be perfect to get in the mood for the upcoming season. Want to take it up a notch? Try taking your book outside with a picnic just for you.

Cook a meal you thought you could only get at a restaurant 

With stay-at-home orders in effect, you may be missing patio season. Try a homemade spin on your go-to order. I usually get cucumber avocado rolls from my local sushi place, so I tried making cucumber avocado rice wraps at home! It’s so satisfying to eat one of your favorite meals after you’ve worked hard to get it right. If you want to get the full patio season experience, try making fishbowl cocktails at home! 

Change up your workout

Your body is probably dying to get moving after you’ve spent hours sitting in front of your notes. Switch it up by trying a new way of moving your body. This could range from changing your environment, trying a new YouTube video, or starting an entirely new type of exercise. Finally going out of your way to change things up adds some interest to your daily routine. Who knows, you might find a workout that will become your new favourite. Not sure what to try? I recommend Kyra Pro’s new “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” Dance Workout or MadFit’s “Evermore” Dance Workout for some fun ways to get moving. 

Let yourself relax

You don’t have to go all out after exams. You deserve a break after working so hard all month. Let yourself do what feels best for you, whether that means taking a bath and listening to your favorite album or grabbing the best snacks in your pantry and taking a day to binge Netflix. Summer is a good time to listen to your body and take time to satisfy its needs. If you’re anything like me, you may neglect your body during exam season. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, sleeping enough, and feeding yourself nutritious food (not just coffee!).

Hey there! I’m Meagan and I’m in my second year as an Honours Kinesiology student. You can catch me spending my free time reading, being outdoors, and thinking of fun new recipes to make!
Hey - I'm Vanessa Geitz, a fourth-year Public Health student at the University of Waterloo. I am currently the President and Campus Correspondent for HC Waterloo and love writing articles! Also a big fan of the Bachelor, BBT, and books.