A few months ago, if you had asked me how I'd envision Summer 2015 to go, "eating Easy-Mac in bed at midnight" wouldn't exactly be the first phrase to come to mind. Not that this wouldn’t be acceptable if I were in my dorm and had an exam the next day. However, we’re talking a mid-July Friday night here. Between busy schedules and vacation plans, and not to mention the mere concept of "growing up," seeing my friends 24/7 like always has easily become more difficult. What has become easier, however, is learning how to spend time with myself. If you're susceptible to boredom, these five activities might cure your summer restlessness and make alone time more enjoyable for those who hate to be, well, alone.
1. Indulge in a book.
Nothing passes the time quite like a good book. Regardless of the genre, reading allows you to visit a much more entertaining world, and escape your own boring one for a while. Reading for pleasure is a lot more fun than required reading, so don’t let all of those summer reading books from high school sway your opinion on this timeless hobby. Whether your laying by the pool or cozied up in bed, a book is a great way to pass the time.
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2. Engage in some retail therapy.
I love the phrase “running errands,” because when I use it, what I really mean is “blasting music on my way to the mall (don’t forget the brief Starbucks pit-stop), and spending the majority of my paycheck in Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters. Oh, and all while wearing a great outfit, because we all know that’s the icing on the “I have my life together today” cake. And, I think we can all agree that new clothes are always a huge confidence boost. Retail Therapy is a very real thing, and I’ve come to discover that I enjoy shopping alone much more than shopping with a buddy. No worries, no hurries.
3. Day trip to the beach.
A day spent listening to the roaring ocean alone is way underrated. Beach trips with friends are always a good time, but there’s no better way to clear your head than laying in the sand and getting your tan on all by yourself. It’s the perfect “reflecting on your life” environment, because you don’t feel as cooped up as you would in your bedroom, but instead like you’re actually doing something productive with your day. It’s also a cheap alternative if you’re not looking to spend much money. Pack a lunch, bring along headphones or a magazine, and let the ocean free your mind.
4. Get crafty.
It might be my inner sorority girl speaking here, but crafting, much like wine, gets better with age. I'm not talking about breaking out the coloring books and Crayola 64-pack; whether you're painting a canvas for your bedroom walls, whipping up a quick DIY mason jar vase, or heading out to paint pottery for a relaxing afternoon, crafting is rewarding in that you can allow whatever artistic ability you have to shine. Plus, there's no better feelings than burning your hand with a scolding hot glue gun, or spending hours trying to get paint off of your skin and clothes post-craft. Well, maybe there is, but, you get the point.
5. Clean and organize your space.
There’s always room for improvement, and even if your room (unlike mine) is always kept neat, it may not be organized to its full potential. Spring isn't the only season for cleaning; go through all of your junk, get rid of anything you no longer wear, use, or have room for (you can even set it aside to sell online or at a garage sale for some extra cash), and get organized! There are numerous DIY organization ideas on Pinterest, too. When your bedroom is organized, so is your life.
