With classes ending, summer is quickly approaching. Although it might not feel like it now, pretty soon we’ll be breaking out our sandals, sunscreen, and smiles. This summer I will be staying in Amherst, so I am planning a few hobbies to keep myself busy. After all, summer really is the time for some self-care and self-reflection!
- Gardening
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To be honest, I have never been much of a gardener. In fact, keeping houseplants alive is always a challenge of mine. However, this summer I am planning on getting a small pot for herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and more. It will be a fun activity and even more rewarding if I can use these herbs in the kitchen.
- Cooking
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On the topic of working in the kitchen, I am hoping to make some new recipes. I always love cooking but find it difficult during the school year to plan meals, go grocery shopping, cook, and clean when I have lots of school work to do. I am looking forward to having more time in my evenings to make some really good dishes.
- Working Out
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Summer is a great time for self-care and balancing mental and physical health–which for me means having time to work out. I am a big runner, so I am looking forward to some long runs and getting into shape. I plan on making it fun and maybe running to a place I can go swimming or maybe even get ice cream afterward. Because, although staying fit is part of my self-care routine, so is relaxing!
- Practicing the Guitar
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During the start of the pandemic, I bought myself a guitar to try to teach myself how to play. It went fairly well, and since I had a lot of time at home I was able to learn a few songs. I still pick it up every so often, but with school and socializing keeping me busy I have less time to really progress. I am hoping this summer to keep practicing and maybe learn a few more songs.
- Mindfulness
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Over the summer, it is nice to get a little break from classes and feel a little less stressed. It is also a good time to practice strategies to manage stress. After this year, I realized I can sometimes get really stressed from school and don’t handle it well. Some activities I have been practicing to work on this are meditation, journaling, and yoga. This summer, I am hoping to practice these more regularly, even though I might not be as stressed, to prepare me to better handle my emotions during the school year.
I could not be more excited for summer to start. Wearing shorts and t-shirts, getting tan, and not stressing about classes make this season one of the best. Now, with some hobbies planned out, I will be able to keep myself busy on those hot days. But, don’t worry, I will be doing a lot of relaxing too cause that is what summer is all about!
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