How can you make the most out of your summer?

We've all heard the phrases, "This summer is going to be the best one yet," "Let's make sure to do this during the summer" and even the most common phrase, "Yeah I'm going to be so busy this summer." When the time actually comes for summer, many of us do find ourselves very busy and having a good time, but there are always those that make plans; yet, end up staying home bored with nothing to do whatsoever. These are the types of people who stay at home five out of the seven days of the week binge-watching Netflix consistently, catching up on TV shows instead of going out and carrying on with their plans they had for the summer. Although many of us are guilty of being this type of person, (myself included), I'm here to give you some advice on how to expect the most of your summer.

1. Begin to prepare early

It may seem that summer is only a couple months away, but from personal experience, the last two months of school seem to go by the fastest and summer vacation catches me off guard. It's good to have plans, but it is also good to stay busy. While summer is a time for vacation and relaxation, it can also be a time to try something new or even be productive. A great example of being productive and staying busy would be to attempt finding a part-time job during the summer or being involved in a part-time activity so you are not just stuck at home when your plans fall apart. As a person who loves being busy, I have found myself annoyed of being at home when I do not have plans for the day. Getting a job, volunteering, participating in an activity or even a class over the summer keeps you busy, out of the house and productive. While it may not seem like the most fun activity, you could learn some new things from that.

2. Learn to do things on your own

Although this may not sound like an ideal thing to do, it is okay to try and do some new things on your own. Usually, summer is a time to hang out with friends, relax, and go crazy places to do crazy things. But what do you do when you want to go out and nobody is able to? Instead of just picking up the remote and watching TV for the day, make it your goal to go do something on your own. Whether that task is going to the gym, getting lunch or even visiting some place, you should never turn down an opportunity to do something or go somewhere just because everyone said no. Granted that it may not be equally as fun as going out or doing an activity with your friends, your mind may need to be refreshed and going out might make you feel better instead of just staying at home and doing nothing. Additionally, this will help you learn more things about yourself and help you feel confident doing more things by yourself when nobody is available.

3. Go out on a vacation

Lastly and most importantly, I feel as if this is one of the most important necessary tasks that is required during summer vacation. One of the reasons for this, I believe, is that staying in one place for too long for an excessive amount of time can cause you to fall into a routine and become bored with life very easily. This kind of routine manner causes all of us to fall into a sort of robotic schedule where we just tread through every day without attention to everything around us. Take the time to schedule a vacation whether it be a day trip, weekend trip or a week-long trip, take the time to go somewhere. The destination could really be anywhere, but what's crucial is that you should take the time to go out somewhere with your family or friends that you have never been before. Although costs are always something to look into, a mini-vacation to a local place in state or even a road-trip could help refresh your mind and help you appreciate the vacation that you deserved. It's important to work hard, but it is also essential to give your mind a break every so often and to come back feeling energized and enjoying every day instead of just falling into a routine schedule.

While the summer is about relaxing and going out with friends, not all of us can enjoy such a pleasure. It is important to make the most of your time and go out when you can, but to also commit to staying busy and trying new things. Instead of just staying at home watching Netflix, why not try these tips and try to make the most out of the next summer vacation?