10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Summer

Happy summer!

For most, July marks the start of warm weather, lemonade, and being able to spend more time on the things you love without worrying too much about school.

Yet, it also marks the beginning of two months of CHOICE - how will you maximize your time?

If you’re having trouble coming up with goals or objectives to set for the next few weeks, here are a few ideas to get you started (to make the most of your summer!):

1. Volunteer!

Many opportunities exist to get involved with your local community (even remotely or via online platforms!). Giving your time to an organization you care about is a great way to spend your summer, and you’ll be making a difference at the same time!

2. Get a summer or part-time job

The summer is a great time to gain some real world work experience - and many opportunities exist to work from home as well! Try contacting a start-up, reaching out to non-profits, or even helping out at your local supermarket.

3. Learn a new skill

Take the time to pick up a new skill! A variety of online courses, platforms (such as Skillshare or MasterClass) and YouTube channels offer free lessons, modules or practice problems that you can go through at your own pace. If you’re looking for something more structured, websites such as Coursera and EdX also offer certifications in courses from many reputable institutions or universities. Lectures from many universities are also uploaded to YouTube, free to watch and learn from!

Alongside learning from courses, the summer is also a great way to build upon skills or hobbies you’ve pushed aside during the school year! Learning a new language (many apps are free and can help get you started), instrument or pursuing an old interest are all great ways to use your time in a productive way.

4. Build your resume

At least once a year, even if you aren’t actively applying for a job, it’s a good idea to brush up/update your resume. A lot can happen in a year! Adding recent education, awards, or leadership experiences is a great way to recap your current skill set - and it’ll make it easier for you when the time comes for you to apply for a job!

5. Do some life planning

As daunting as it may seem, thinking about what you want to do in the next few years can help you prepare for the future! Make a vision board to encapsulate all of your goals or aspirations, research potential career opportunities and university/college/post-secondary pathways, etc. - these will all help you to see where your interests lie! Things may change over time as well (you may be interested in something very different a year from now, or may have had a drastically different idea of what you wanted to do last year), so it’s important to update yourself with what you want to do in the future! Talking to people working in places or industries that you want to be in one day is also a wonderful way to learn more about what a “day in the life” can really be like.

6. RECHARGE

Though it may seem like productivity is defined only as getting work done, finishing projects or completing meetings (all of which can of course, be productive activities), it is equally productive to rest and take the time to recharge: your mind and body.

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax” - Mark Black

Getting enough sleep, making sure that you set time in the day to rest and unwind, and taking care of your mental health are all incredibly important. Take advantage of the summer as time you can use to help YOURSELF - and don’t feel guilty about it!

7. Enjoy nature and go outside!

With the weather warming up, it’s a great time to go out and enjoy the outdoors! Walks with family and small groups of friends in your circle (only in compliance with public health guidelines and safety regulations, staying 2 meters apart when needed), are a great way to unwind and take your mind off of any stress. Bike rides are a fun idea too!

8. Exercise and prioritize physical fitness

If you’ve been putting off getting exercise or working out during the regular school year, it may be a good idea to allocate some time for physical fitness this summer! Develop a routine, schedule or goal for the weeks to come - and stick to it.

9. Clean up!

Spend a day dusting your room or house, sort through old belongings (donating is always good!), and clear out what you don’t need anymore. Remember, a tidy workspace can help to de-clutter your mind.

10. Start a gratitude journal or a daily journal (or both!)

Taking a few moments at any point in the day to write down what you’re grateful for, or to keep a daily log of what you did can be a fantastic de-stressing or wellness activity. Plus, you’ll have something to look back on in a few years!

Don’t think you’ll be able to make journaling a habit?

Lots of apps that you can download on your phone or computer make it short and simple to keep track of - and you can set reminders too!

These are just a few ways that you can maximize your summer - set your own goals, objectives and get started!

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DISCLAIMER: COVID-19 brings forth a variety of uncertainty and unknown as societies slowly begin to move forward in re-opening. Each of the activities and suggestions listed in this article and all other articles or launches on this website should consider and be adjusted by the reader to follow social distancing protocols, public health guidelines and regulations in the reader's town/province/country. Study Station and Lauren Fong are not responsible nor liable for any activities that may result in a failure to meet regulations - and do not condone unsafe actions that do not follow public health guidelines. Study Station and Lauren Fong take no responsibility for the actions or choices of our readers, audience or those in the Study Station community.

Follow the public health guidelines, and stay safe!