Summer vacation is nearly over and the beginning of the new school year is imminent. You may be feeling excited, disappointed, or a mixture of the two. Whether you are a recent high school graduate going into college or a high school student dreading the upcoming school year, the end of summer blues is common.
Transitioning from summer back to school can be difficult and overwhelming. Here are a few ways to make the most of the remaining weeks of summer while beating the end of summer blues.
1. Make The Most Of Every Day
With only a few weeks of summer vacation remaining before school resumes, now is the time to take advantage of your free time and make the most of each day. Take it upon yourself to make plans, meet up with friends, spend time with family, go on a trip, and pursue the activities you will not have time for during the busy school year.
But, making the most of every day does not need to be too complicated or elaborate. Exploring your town, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends are a few simple, yet enjoyable activities that will allow you to make the most of your remaining summer break.
2. Establish A Tradition For The End Of Summer
Rather than dreading the end of summer, celebrate it in any way that feels right to you. Committing to doing the same tradition every summer will allow you to overcome the end-of-summer blues and adjust your mindset to look forward to the upcoming school year. Hosting a family barbecue, going on a trip, and reorganizing your room are all traditions you can create to enjoy the end of summer.
3. Look Forward To Future Plans
It can be difficult to think positively when transitioning from a relaxing summer break to a stressful school year. By continuously reminding yourself of the plans you have to look forward to, getting through busy weeks can feel easier. Drinking hot chocolate, wearing cozy clothing, sitting by the fire, and watching movies on the couch are only a few of the countless activities fall and winter will offer.
Encourage yourself to focus on what you like about fall rather than what you don't like about summer coming to an end.
4. Remind Yourself Of Your Goals
The end of summer is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your goals and priorities. As you head into a new school year, you will have the chance to participate in clubs that excite you, join classes that truly interest you, and take part in activities such as sports or theater that you are deeply passionate about. Remind yourself of all the new, exciting goals and ambitions you plan on pursuing throughout the school year.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
Summer vacation provides you with adequate time for yourself. Suddenly going from calming days by the pool to a hectic schedule with long nights spent completing homework is draining, making self-care more important than ever. If you find yourself getting stressed or anxious, it is crucial to take a step back and do the things that make you feel your best. You should take your academics and school work seriously, but not to the point where you are harming your mental well-being.
6. Take The Best Of Summer Into Fall
Returning to school does not mean that you have to let go of the habits you implemented during summer break. If you enjoyed spending time outside this summer, continue to get outside in the fall. If you treasure spending more time with your friends and family this summer, make the effort to plan gatherings to look forward to. Identify the aspects of summer that you love and carry them out into fall.
Summer will be back before you know it. Until then, it is important to head into the school year with the right kind of mindset. This new school year is going to be full of countless memories and experiences that will shape you as a student and person. Embracing the new opportunities that are bound to come around will allow you to make the most of the school year before summer vacation returns.
