Although most students look forward to summer, counting down the days until they can break away from school and copious amounts of work, school offers one thing that summer cannot: structure. The rigid schedule of waking up at the same time, going to school, moving from class to class, completing homework, and going to bed may have been dreaded throughout the year. But, now, you may find yourself wanting some variation of a routine.
It is possible to have a well-balanced, enjoyable summer where you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. You don't have to fall off your routine completely, and you certainly don't have to spend all day, every day at your desk completing work. Summer provides you with the time and ability to create a routine you can't wait to wake up to.
Create A List Of Goals
Compiling a list of activities you want to pursue this summer is extremely helpful when beginning to establish a routine that works best for you. It is important to discard the mindset that goals can only pertain to school and academics. Goals can mean anything you want yourself to achieve, whether it be something as simple as getting outside more. Don't let your pre-existing, flawed ideas of what constitutes success or happiness influence the "goals" you set out for yourself this summer.
The tasks you want to pursue can be as specific or broad as you want them to be. But, regardless of what your "list" is made up of, they will serve as a guide for you to turn to when you find yourself feeling lost this summer.
Be Flexible
If you are the type of person who always needs a plan and who lives your life according to a schedule, this summer is the time to encourage yourself to become more flexible. This in no way means that you have to disregard your goals and ambitions. Rather, it means that now is the time to afford yourself more free time when you can be spontaneous and toss aside the limitations you have put upon yourself. If you aren't able to get something done that you hoped to, don't dwell on it.
Pay Attention To How You Feel
Above all else, having a happy, balanced summer depends on how you feel when following your routine. If you realize that you are constantly dreading your routine, it may be an indicator that you need to modify your schedule. Or, if you notice that you are frequently stressing or worrying, understand how you can alter your routine to make your summer more fun and enjoyable.
Summer can be overwhelming. More specifically, all the things you hope to do and all the goals you hope to achieve may be too difficult to manage. But, by taking it one day at a time and prioritizing how you feel, you will find that your summer routine is one that you look forward to. This, unquestionably, is the goal: to feel excited about the upcoming months.
Don't Compare Your Routine to Others
Whether you start questioning the routine that works best for you because of your friends, family members, or social media, it is crucial to understand that everyone's routines should be different. Everyone has different goals, interests, and circumstances. Don't let a social media post make you feel as if you aren't doing enough.
And don't let your friend's plans make you feel that your summer is too boring. Do what feels right to you. Only good things can come from listening to yourself and implementing a routine that makes you feel your best.
When you feel confused or overwhelmed, remind yourself that the transition from school to summer, although longed for, takes a bit of time. Going from a strict school schedule to free time that you don't know what to do with takes some getting used to. But, soon, once you recognize what you wish to gain from this summer, everything will fall into its place. When in doubt, make decisions that you know will be right for you.
