These five ways to defeat the summer blues will help you deal with some of your challenges. At the beginning of the summer, students are calling each other, going to the water park, heading to a friend’s house, and more, but by the end of the summer each of these novelties run their course and become boring or are met with “we already did that” or “there is nothing to do around here.” Here are five ways to defeat the summer blues including:
1. Develop a schedule
Students just like anyone crave structure (they won’t admit it, but it is a reality) and the best way to defeat the summer blues is to develop a pattern or rhythm of something to stay occupied and more importantly be productive. Try developing a schedule of the following: waking up/going to bed at the same time every day, eating breakfast/lunch/dinner at the same time every day, etc. Make it a routine and embrace it.
2. Visit a relative
Unplug your social media, telephones, and other technology and go spend 2 – 3 hours of time with a relative. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or even mom or dad, go spend some quality time visiting with them. Go with an open mind and bring something you made with you (homemade card, baked goods, etc.). Start by talking about them and asking them some questions including: “what do you remember most when you were my age” or “what things make you feel appreciated.”
3. Call up an old friend
It seems passé, but “call” (yes, actually talk to an old friend) a friend and start by asking them “what’s on your mind?” First, that friend may meet you with surprise, but eventually you will start engaging in conversation and you will both feel great (no promises about feeling great, but keep things positive and avoid texting or social media that doesn’t count as calling someone).
4. Do something different
Try something different including:
- Baking cookies
- Going on a jog
- Drawing a picture
5. Plan to go somewhere with someone
Put a date on your calendar no more than 10 days away to go somewhere and do something. It is best to invite 2 – 3 others to go with you to accommodate if someone is unable to go or backs out at the last minute. The purpose of inviting others is to hold yourself accountable and start conversation around where you will be going and what you will doing. Below are some ideas including:
- Taking a hike
- Heading to the park for a picnic
- Attending a concert
- Watching a movie
Be creative and find ways to defeat the summer blues that work for you. It doesn’t need to be expensive or extravagant, but moreover, practical and purposeful. Find what things will get you to a better place of feeling better and out of the summer blues funk.
