Adjusting to your new schedule or environment over summertime is a challenge for many students! You may be trying to maintain your own schedule and independence, managing relationships or caregiving needs, or just missing the routine and community of school. This is not easy. But it is manageable! These tips will help you adapt and enjoy the summertime:
Define Your Expectations:
If you have eagerly awaited this time off, there may be pressure to make the most of it. The lack of structure may feel overwhelming after a busy semester. One way to manage this is by setting some intentions. Below are some ideas to get you started:
Set expectations: Think about what you’re hoping to do or achieve during the summer. Whether it is taking time to relax, connecting with others, or learning something new, it is helpful to acknowledge these things upfront! This will help you maintain realistic expectations for your time, and also help you achieve any goals you may have.
Schedule your time: Loosely planning out your time the summer will help you achieve the things you were hoping to and also support your mental health! This could look like setting aside a day to rest and relax, or scheduling chunks of time each day to work on a passion project/self-care routine.
Share your goals with those around you: Others (family, housemates, friends) may have their own expectations for your time, so it is important to communicate your goals with whoever you are spending time with so you are on the same page! This may be especially true if you are a caregiver. You may need to think outside the box when it comes to summertime childcare, for example. Consider doing a childcare swap with a neighbor or relying on childcare at your local gym while you make time for self-care or physical activity.
Designate Space for Yourself:
You may be missing your school environment over the summer, or adjusting to sharing a space with family or friends. This can be a tough transition, but there are ways to cultivate a physical environment that allows you space to relax and recharge.
Adjust the physical space. If your space isn't a place where you can relax, you might need to change things up. Taking small steps to get organized can help you feel more at peace, and many of these steps don’t cost a dime!
Define spatial boundaries. For example, discuss with your family or housemates certain boundaries that will allow you to have some alone time – maybe you share that when you cook dinner, that is a time that you’d like to yourself. It could also be as simple as asking the people you live with you to give you privacy when your bedroom or office door is shut.
Find space outside of your residence: If it is a challenge to get time to yourself, explore some alternate nearby spaces! If the weather allows, get outside! Going for a walk or a run is not only great for your physical health, but is also a great way to have some “you” time. Or, consider spending some time in a neighborhood coffee shop or library.
Stay Connected
Finding ways to talk to your school friends regularly throughout the summer can also help ease the transition from school. Set up a group chat over text message (or with an app like WhatsApp or Signal), schedule a weekly video call to stay updated on each other's life, play online games, or even trade emails for longer life updates. If your friends live locally, plan to meet up in the middle for a day in a town you’ve never been to before!
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