If you're like me, then you've probably hit that slump of summer where your daily routine consists of watching Netflix, reality TV shows, snacking throughout the day and mentally flipping a coin to see if your going to take a shower or not (gross, but true).
During finals week, all any college student can think about is all the things they want to do during the summer – the trips they’re going to take, the friends they’re going to visit and the places they’re going to shop. The motivation to live life to the fullest the next few months is full blast until we get back home. Suddenly, the bed is too comfy. There’s no reason to be up early, so we waste away in our homes on our tablets, computers and iPhones. There are those rare few who really do use their summer to do a variety of activities, but if you’re more my speed, here are some things to do to kickstart your motivation.
1. Watch a motivational movie or speech. It sounds a little cliché, but watching a video that gets a little philosophical about life can force an inner “ah-ha!” moment. Sometimes, in order to get up off our butts we have to listen to someone else (who isn’t a relative) talk about how they broke out of their own perpetual state of lazy and did something productive. Trust me, after watching one video you’re going to want to jump up and tackle the world. Hold onto that energy!
2. Eat cleaner. Everyone always
says, “I want to eat better.” Seldom do people actually follow through. A trip to the grocery store can be a good way to get you out of the
house without over-exerting yourself. Get some fruits and veggies and make a fun
salad or try that meatless chicken in the vegetarian aisle you’ve been curious
about. Grocery shopping is as fun as you make it, so let your inner chef roam free
through the store!
3. Read
a book. Easier said than
done. Most of us have at least one book we’ve wanted to read, but haven’t had the
chance to because of class. Take this opportunity to unplug and relax with a
chapter or two. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a book in the conventional
sense. Read up on the new weight training techniques or the latest
fashion trends for the summer. If you have access to a pool, lie outside and
get a tan while you read. You don’t have to read all day, but even a couple of
chapters will wake you up.
4. Look
for an internship. This one may be a
little outside of your comfort zone, but hear me out. Internships can be
extremely fun and open a variety of doors. The biggest misconception about them
is that you must pick an internship that relates to your field of study. The
summer is the perfect time for a fun internship completely outside your
major. We all have more than just one interest so explore something else you’re
passionate about. The main take away from an internship should be that it
gives you experience and opportunities to network with people that you can’t
get at university. The best part is that you don’t even have to leave
your bed to search for internships – just grab your laptop!
5. Focus
on improving yourself. Being an
out-of-state student, I’m not fortunate enough to be close to all the friends I
just made this past year. Sometimes, you can get in a rut simply because there
aren’t a lot of people to see. Realize that this is okay. Take this time alone
to appreciate and pamper yourself! Most of us tend to overwork ourselves during
the academic year and, coupled with all the socializing we do, it can run us
down. Let the summer be a time for you to reflect and renew. Write. Meditate. Join
a gym. Have a spa day. Do anything that relaxes you and forces you to focus
solely on yourself. A sense of rejuvenation is guaranteed.
