Here at Grand Canyon University, the spring semester wraps up a bit early. The term starts the first week of January after only a two-week break, and it ends at the end of April. So, us GCU students are already heading full swing into summer. Other schools, however, still have a little bit of time to go. That’s okay – this article is just as valuable for those finishing classes as it is for those with a few more weeks to go.
Summertime is great for many reasons, including warm weather, family and hometown friends, and perhaps most importantly – no homework. It’s true, most of us still have to work over the summer, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take time to rest and recharge. So, let’s brainstorm some ideas on resting and recharging even with a busy work schedule.
Self-care
Take some time this summer to focus on self-care. This could look like anything; it could be cooking some of your favorite meals, developing a consistent summer skincare routine, reading more books, or even focusing on journaling. Self-care may seem like it has to be a long ten-step daily process, and while it certainly can be, another version of self-care is finding small ways to incorporate moments of joy and peace into your day.
Adventure
What is better than a good summer adventure? There are lots of forms of summer adventures – even if you don’t live near the ocean or a lake, there are still plenty of ways to experience that summer adventure feeling. Spending time outside is a great place to start, whether that looks like getting to the ocean, the lake, the mountains, or even your backyard! You could go for a walk, visit a park, or go to the pool. Another way to get that summer adventure in is to pick a local place and bring a friend or family member and just go explore. Maybe there is a new coffee shop, café, or store in town that you want to explore (or maybe just revisit Target). Anything that gets you out of the house and out of your head is a great place to start for a summery vibe.
Planning ahead
I know, most of us want nothing more than to think of only the summer during the summer. However, it is sometimes necessary to start planning ahead while you have time. This is a good time to map out what your next year is going to look like, set some goals (academic, personal, social, etc.), and start thinking about what you want for your future without the stress of school clouding your thoughts. This is also a great time to look up different activities near your college (especially if you don’t live close by). That way, you have some ideas for fun things to do when you get back to school in the fall.
Summertime activity inspo
My personal favorite way to get summer inspo is Pinterest. Pinterest has a lot of ideas for fun things to do in the summer, so go through those lists and find things that are feasible wherever you’ll be spending your summer break.
Some of my favorite ideas include:
- Go hiking
- Drive-in movie night
- Bonfire/cook-out
- Go camping
- Try gardening
- Watch the sunset
- Visit a new coffee shop
- Plan a lake day
- Read in a hammock
- Bake something
- Host a game night
- Go stargazing
And remember! These things are supposed to be fun and recharging – so don’t stress it too much. And do not let the comparison game get to you; everyone spends their summers differently based on loads of different things (location, finances, etc.). So just have a good time in a way that feels right to you. Let’s make this summer one to remember.