Many people look forward to summer due to the warm weather, more free time for those with summers off, vacations, and for many adolescents specifically, a break from academics. The problem for many is they do not understand why a sudden wave of sadness may hit them when summer seems as though it should be the most relaxing time of year. The truth is, when summer alters someone’s schedule, it causes changes in daily routines people have had for the 8 months prior. Suddenly, the things that used to make someone wake up early and be productive are taken away, and people may not know what to do with themselves. They may find themselves looking for a new activity every day, not knowing what each day will bring. This can cause adolescents to feel more tired and drained because they do not have a fixed routine. For many college students, you are spending 8 months with the same friends, possibly in another town or state, and returning home to a completely different part of your life. The change in scenery, people, and routine can be overwhelming and difficult to readjust to. Even for those who stay home for college, they may have some friends who leave to go back to their homes or other friends who return which causes change as well. Additionally, the season of summer itself is very humid and has longer daylight hours. This can alter one’s sleep schedule in itself because the heat can decrease someone’s energy and increase their irritability.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help them have a great summer. One thing is to not let yourself sleep in too often and focus on self-care. On certain days of the week, you can choose to wake up early and do a mindfulness activity. This may include but is not limited to; going for a hike, going to the gym, at home workouts, going for a walk or run, meditation, reading a book, listening to music, journaling, and more. Another idea could be learning something new such as learning to cook, sew, bake, play a sport, or speak a new language. You may even consider taking on a new job in order to keep busy and make some extra money or an internship to learn more about your academic interests and gain some knowledge about your future career. You also could make a bucket list of all the things you want to do over the summer and take some ideas from the one attached here. Just because summer may be different for you, does not mean you cannot make a new schedule for yourself doing some of these things or other things that interest you to keep you busy.
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