Summer has always been known as a time to get away, to "reinvent" yourself, or change for the better. This is especially prevalent for college students who have a 3-month break between Spring semester and the next Fall semester. Whether it is the amount of time spent away from school or the free time caused by few or no classes, Summer is the perfect time to make some changes to get into a healthier lifestyle mentally and physically. So, let me help you with these eight things!
First, here's some Mia Thermopolis to get you motivated:
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1. Change your diet
Of course, this is a stereotypical thing people think about when they want to alter themselves. No, I am not telling you to lose weight or go on a diet. Changing your diet means cutting portions to the sizes you should have and eating foods that will make your body happy. This means less processed, sugary food and more natural things like fruits and vegetables. Don't forget your protein either! Check out recipes on Pinterest , so you can make healthy eating fun!
2. Start working out
(Haha, but really!)
Again, this is another archetypical change that you can make. Whether it is running, walking, hiking, lifting weights, or doing pilates, make a hobby out of it! The gym can become addicting when you start going regularly. Some of us are couch potatoes (aka me), but working out isn't just about getting skinny. Like changing your diet, it is about improving your health. One of my favorite sites is Blogilates . Cassy Ho is a pop pilates teacher that creates workout guides, free fitness calendars, Youtube videos, and recipes for people from beginners to those who have been working out a long time. She is such a bubbly person, and it is really easy for beginners to follow her workouts. A plethora of them don't even need weights because only body weight is used.
3. Become more crafty
DIY all the way! Whether you are living in a dorm, apartment, or house, crafting can be useful to you. Being a broke college student, it may not be feasible to buy countless decorations from places like Anthropologie. Pinterest and Google are both useful tools to get you into making your own decorations as well as jewelry too! Even if you aren't the artsiest person, there are easy step-by-step guides to making things. Who knows? Maybe you could have a knack for jewelry making and create your own Etsy store to earn extra cash!
4. Rekindle old friendships
College pulls us apart from our old high school friends. Whether it is a lack of communication or just being busy, drifting away from the people you used to be closest to sucks. Most people go home for the Summer though, and it is just the time to talk to old friends. Call up your lost besties. If it ends up not working out, then you will be able to realize why you weren't able to stay friends.
5. Volunteer
Help the community and volunteer! There is an abundance of organizations that need volunteers. Hospitals, animal shelters, food banks, and others all need people to help out. Volunteering lets you help those in need and you can make friends while doing it.
6. Travel
Traveling is the best way to learn more about the world and the cultures in it. If you have the chance to travel or study abroad, in the country or out, take it! Traveling lets you see natural wonders, history, and you are able to meet a bunch of people. Staying in one place your whole life is like being trapped in a period and place of stasis. Get out and learn more about the world! Start saving up money now, so you can plan some awesome trips.
7. Get a job or internship
Being a college student, you have to get prepared for impending graduation and being thrown out into the real world. Jobs and internships not only provide something you can put on your resume but experience and memories you can hold onto (as well as money if it is paid). If you are uncertain about a major or a career an internship can provide you with an insight on what you like and are comfortable with. For students, especially UGA ones, the website Handshake is a vital thing that can help you with your search. You can upload a resume and apply for jobs and internships straight through the website. If it worked for me, it will work for you too!
8. Read
This is probably only making the list because I am an English major, but seriously reading is vital to everybody. When you have time to kill, books are an awesome way to pass time too. Try some classics to see why everybody talks about them or go to Goodreads to get some recommendations!
