Summer break. The perfect time to relax and recharge after a stressful school year. You have more free time now, but that can also mean stressing about your social life or having some FOMO over fun summer plans.
It doesn’t have to be that way! Your summer is yours to make it what you want. Need some inspiration on how to have a fun, substance-free summer? We’ve got a few tips!
1. Learn a new skill
Now is the perfect time to explore things you normally don’t have time for during the school year! And it doesn’t have to be expensive either. Want to learn coding or digital marketing? Try SkillTube. Want to brush up on your language skills? Try Duolingo or edX. Or take some free classes from MIT.
2. Volunteer
Volunteering is great for your resume, but it’s also something that can make you feel helpful and empowered. You can volunteer remotely, in-person, or both. Find a volunteer opportunity that fits with your strengths, interests, and availability.
3. Try a new hobby
Don’t limit yourself to only what you think you’re good at! Branch out, and be kind to yourself if you’re not immediately great at something. Try drawing, photography, a new board game or video game, Zumba, or whatever you’ve been wanting to try. Have fun with it!
4. Find balance
The two kinds of balance that come to mind are indoor/outdoor time and social/alone time. Only you know what kind of person you are and what kind of environments you feel the best in. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, or an outdoorsy or indoorsy person, try to find a balance between the two. Challenge yourself while knowing your limits, and recharge the way that you need to.
5. Practice self-care
This can be a cliché, but it is so, so important to set aside time to take care of yourself. Find activities that work for you and make you feel better, whether that’s meditation, journaling, skincare, spa days, fixing your sleep schedule, listening to your favorite music, or watching your favorite shows and movies. Always remind yourself that you deserve time to relax this summer and all year long.
6. Have an accountability buddy
If or when you go to parties this summer, know that alcohol, drugs, or vaping could be present. Try to find a friend or “accountability buddy” beforehand so that you can help each other say no to any offers and have sober fun. Know that saying no can be difficult sometimes, so here are a few ways to say no comfortably and confidently.
Remember, life is not a race, and everyone’s journey looks different. Your experience is unique and beautiful and does not need to conform to everyone else’s experience. Spend your summer in a way that recharges and betters you!
