So it's almost July, which means we have roughly two months before school starts back up for the semester. I know that the spring semester did NOT end how I planned for it to. Personally, I had another month and a half of producing and anchoring for OU Nightly, spending time with my friends and sorority sisters, and even participating in Sooner Scandals. As a naturally busy person, that was exactly how I wanted to spend the rest of my semester. I am the type of person who thrives when busy and under pressure, and quite honestly, quarantine life just isn't cutting it for me anymore.
Numerous fun activities that I usually do over the summer are unavailable due to business closures and social distancing rules. Even if our world was back to "normal" and the way it was before the virus, I still struggle to regain my happiness when I go back home for the summer. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my family and my hometown, but I've just made a totally separate life for myself in Norman. I miss my routine during the school year, and I simply don't feel like myself without it at this point. So, I wanted to share a few ways I helped myself feel better about my current circumstances, and maybe some of these ideas can help you as well!
1. Get a job
This one might sound like the opposite of fun, but trust me, this is the only reason I haven't gone insane yet. I got a job at Sonic as a carhop, and I work almost every day. This keeps me busy, and earning a little bit of money at the same time doesn't hurt.
2. Reconnect with old friends
Who says leaving your college town has to be so lonely? Sure, there are people you might not get to see again until you go back in the fall, but find a way to spend some time with the people you don't get to see when you go back. I've had a few sleepovers with my best friends from high school and even had a few shopping days.
3. Organize your room
This one might sound boring, but it can be so fun! As soon as I got home, I went through my closet and donated some old clothes and shoes. I then cleaned up everything I could and made sure everything was in its place. Donating my clothes made me feel good and so did having an organized space. I finally felt less cluttered and like I could relax.
4. Take a summer course
Okay, I get it. School is the last thing you want to do over the summer. I will argue, however, that this one has made me feel the most like myself since being home. I hate not having a schedule (I know, I'm crazy) and because of my summer courses, I get to relax a little bit more during the school year and even graduate a little early.
5. Get some sun
Who doesn't love some good Vitamin D? The sun is so good for you (but don't forget your sunscreen) and it can make you feel so much better than if you just sit inside moping around all day. I finally got to have a lake day with my boyfriend and some of our friends from school and we had a BLAST ... even though we might've been a little toasted after the fact. That's what aloe is for though, right?
6. Pamper yourself
This option is an all the time option, not just for during the summer! A bubble bath, a face mask, painting your nails, trying a new lotion, or anything that makes you feel fresh and relaxed always helps me feel better. Trust me on this one.
7. Pick up a new hobby
Hobbies are so fun, especially if you have some extra free time lying around. Since I've been home, my mom and I have completed 5 puzzles. They just sit on our table and we do some of it at a time in between work and online school. It's given me such a sense of accomplishment in the smallest thing, which can be a lifesaver when you don't feel like yourself. And hey, if puzzles aren't your thing, try cooking, hiking, crafting, or learning an instrument. Anything that you enjoy doing.
8. Get crafty
Speaking of crafting, I've definitely been working on some crafts myself. My big in my sorority just turned 21 before we left campus for online learning and I hadn't made her paddle yet. That's been my biggest craft so far, but my boyfriend also asked for a cooler and my roommates wanted some new canvases for our apartment, so I've been busy and covered in paint lately.
9. Binge a good show or have a movie night
Watching TV might not be the first thing on our priority list at school, but who says it can't be a fun way to entertain yourself at home? You can always start a new TV show, watch one you've already seen a million times (uhhh ... “Friends”, duh) or host your own private movie night. As for me, I've watched the second season of “Dead to Me”, “Avatar the Last Airbender”, and a good chunk of “Psych“ since being home.
10. Workout
Working out is so good for you for so many different reasons, both physically and mentally! It can be so relaxing and getting your heart pumping is good for you. There are many different ways you can exercise as well! Go for a run, do some yoga, or even swim on a hot summer day counts!
Whether all of these are for you, or just a few float your boat, there are always ways to make yourself feel back to normal in these crazy times. It just comes down to what you enjoy doing and what makes you happy. Before you know it, we'll be back to school and leading our "Normal lives" once again.
