Four Ways to Make the Most of Your Summer
May 9, 2018
Jonathan Husker – Communications Coordinator
The spring semester has come and gone, and the summer is just around the corner. For some, this means a much-needed break before another year of college. For others, especially those who are completing their college education this spring, the next chapter in the story of their future lies ahead.
Regardless of whether or not you have more years of college ahead of you, or if you are preparing for life after school, making the most of your summer is important. Here are four ways to make the most of your summer.
Rest: A year of college is never easy, and your body can certainly wear down after months of: wake up, go to class, study, repeat. It is important to give your body the rest it deserves after a long year of school. Proper rest, especially after a particularly tiring period of life is crucial. Experts say that sleep deprivation or lack of rest could lead to poor judgment, slower mental function, or even antisocial behavior. The downsides of lacking an adequate amount of rest is pretty bleak, so use some of that extra time in the summer to give yourself some much-needed rest.
Recharge: Just as your body needs to be rejuvenated over the summer, so too does your mind. One of the best examples of the importance of recharging uses the illustration of the mind as a cup of happiness. As you pour your happiness into others, pun intended, you are slowly depleting the supply of happiness and energy in your cup. Without taking the time to recharge your mind, your cup will run dry, and you will be feeling empty and exhausted. Instead, take the time to recharge your mind. Not only will this benefit you, but also it will benefit others whom you spend time with throughout your life.
Reflect: College provides so many rewarding experiences: making new friends, learning new things, and making decisions that impact your future as you complete your college journey and begin a career. Sometimes, it’s good to simply sit back and reflect on what you have learned and how far you have come. As visionary Peter Drucker said, “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection, will come even more effective action.” Whether it’s passing a class, growing a particular relationship, getting to the gym more, or maybe even surpassing a goal you set for yourself back in the fall – you’ve done it. Take a second and pat yourself on the back. You’ve earned it.
Refocus: Whether it’s another year of school to mentally prepare for, or a brand new post-college job on the horizon, it’s time to get your mind focused on the task at hand. While there are many ways to focus on what is truly important, including eliminating distractions, staying organized, and replacing negativity with positivity, ultimately the most important thing is putting your focus where it belongs. If you have a tough class on the schedule this fall, prepare to crush it. If you are a senior heading into your final year as a college student, get ready to soak in every last bit of the college experience. If you are a new college grad seeking a job, get out there and show the world what you’ve got. Take the time to focus on what you need to do. You can do this.
College is an exciting time. You learn so much in such a short time, and make choices that impact so much of your future. This, however, is hard to do if you don’t take good care of your body and your mind. Make the most of the time you have this summer, so that you will be ready to take on your next challenge with all you’ve got.