It's that time of summer again -- that purgatory phase between the excitement of no longer having school and being able to do whatever you want, and the excitement of going back to school with a summer closet and golden brown tan. That purgatory phase when you don't know what to do with yourself, when you're bored out of your mind and sick of your family, and you spend the good portion of your day either sleeping, watching TV, or eating -- especially if, like me, none of your college friends live even remotely close to you. In this moment, you may be thinking; but, Random Odyssey Girl, my college friends do live close to me. I hang out with them all the time! And if that is you, I say good for you, and that I am jealous and that you can probably stop reading this article right now because you are not bored out of your mind like the portion of the teen population I am attempting to pander to. So, again, you can stop reading. Thanks for stopping by!
Conversely, while initiating this article you may have been saying to yourself: Yes! This girl knows my annual struggle: extreme boredom of the first degree. But what is the solution? Help me, Random, Odyssey Writer! Please!
Have no fear! That is exactly what I am here to do. So, here are my tips of some things to do over the summer if you feel as if you are trapped in purgatory, as I often do during the summer.
1. Attempt to craft.
I know, I know. Tasty and Nifty videos are all the rage these days, and they make crafting look so easy. But if you were born with two left hands, like me, crafting can be hard. However, because of my sister's incredible artistic ability and our forced togetherness in the summer, I have learned how to craft. It's not as hard as it seems, and it can be really rewarding because you end up with something you can use to decorate and a great sense of accomplishment.
Pro tip: If you really aren't sure about crafting, start out with something easy first. For example, you can tie-dye old bedsheets and turn them into tapestries, or paint old jam and pickle jars to make cute containers. Cheap and useful!
2. Get a job.
Honestly, this can be any job. I know that a lot of your college friends -- especially at Emory -- may have all their crap figured out, and be off at their high-powered Wall Street internships, business-ing their businesses. You may feel a little hopeless and inadequate in comparison. However, I have to say this: Don't! You are in your youth, when you are not supposed to have everything figured out. It's okay if you're only working as a waitress, or cashier, or barista. At least you're making money, making new friends, and hopefully getting those gucci discounts!
Pro tip: I know it's a bit late in the summer to be looking for a job, so if you don't think any businesses around you are going to hire you for only about a month and a half, try signing up for Care.com! It's a nannying site that has hundreds of jobs posted daily. You can customize your schedule and preferred pay and care.com will help you find dozens of jobs that fit your criteria.
3. Explore nature!
This is honestly one of my favorite things to do in the summer. I am blessed to live in the Seattle area, which is surrounded by amazing bodies of water, a beautiful mountain range, and plentiful forests. On my days off, I love grabbing some friends and a water bottle and finding a good hike. If you aren't really down to get sweaty, then maybe try finding a local park or beach to sunbathe at!
4. Get active.
Everyone always seems to be working towards their summer bod, but why not take time in summer to actually achieve it? Exercise is good for you, not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. It helps to boost energy and mood, and relieve stress. Going on walks or runs are nice free workouts, and if that kind of intense cardio isn't your thing then hit up Groupon to find temporary deals for local gyms! My summer activity is hot yoga. It's exercise without being too intensive, and increases balance and coordination while helping to release mental stress and negative energy.
5. Concerts? Music Festivals!
I know, I know. Concerts and music festivals -- while fun and crazy -- can be really expensive. But have no fear! Local parks tend to have free or cheap concerts on certain days of the week. Even if you don't know the artist, or it isn't your kind of music, if it's a free concert you can grab a blanket and some friends and just relax to live music while looking at the gorgeous summer sunset.
6. Read a new book.
If you don't love reading I guess this isn't the point for you, but I love reading and I love that summer gives me more time to read for pleasure! The area where I live has a great library system so it's easy to check out books for free or ask librarians for recommendations, and even if you don't usually enjoy reading typically librarians can recommend something for you solely based on your interests.
That's all for now! Hopefully, these will help you get up off the couch and make the most of your summer! I know this purgatory phase is probably the most boring thing ever. I hope I helped alleviate its pain.
