Summer is the long-awaited season that brings not only heatwaves but also ample amounts of free time for students—which can often be accompanied by mental lethargy after a long school year. Don’t let summer get the best of your brain! Sometimes you need a bit of an extra jump-start in high sunshine months to keep active and feel your best, both mentally and physically. Here’s a list of summer activities that are sure to boost your mental energy.
1. Take a break from electronics
Like many students, you’ll likely find yourself with extra downtime during the summer months. You may also find yourself slipping into bad screen time habits because of this extra time. To boost your mental energy, limit your screen time as you would during any other time of year, and don’t fall into the trap of wasting time staring at a screen. Instead of doomscrolling on Instagram or TikTok, consider the following alternatives to occupy your mind.
2. Take advantage of the sunshine
You don’t have to break a sweat while looking for a mental kick-start in the summer months. A great way to reap the natural benefits of the sun and season is to do simple meditation outside. This allows you to truly get in sync with nature and be one with your environment. You could even take it to the next level and do a little yoga outside. Yoga and meditation are both excellent ways to clear your mind and make space for personal growth. If you aren’t into those activities, just reading a book outside provides a level of relaxation and mental stimulation at the same time. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
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3. Get active
Whether you’re a runner, dancer, cheerleader, or anything else, summertime is the perfect opportunity to exercise. This season can basically be your mental and physical gym, so why not find some new activities that strengthen your mind and body during a break from school? Lean into physical activities under the sun and maybe even treat yourself to some new equipment, like a new pickleball set or a custom-designed cheer uniform. Being active and exploratory can teach you new things and help you evolve your hobbies and skills. Whatever you choose, be sure to drink extra water to stay hydrated!
4. Make swimming part of your routine
Water activities in particular are an excellent way to stay sharp during the summer, not to mention a fabulous way to cool off. This might include swimming laps in a pool or natural body of water, playing water volleyball or water polo, and more. There are endless benefits to swimming that do wonders for your mental and physical health, particularly for students on summer break. Get creative with your water activities and enjoy them to the fullest with this understanding of their energy-boosting capacities!
5. Start your own garden
A wonderful summertime activity that can help you and the planet is to start a garden. If you have access to a good yard area, why not prioritize an hour of your morning tending to a vegetable garden where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, literally? If you live in an apartment or have another living situation without a lawn, consider finding a community garden where you can help out. Gardening can be incredibly meditative in its ability to instill patience and responsibility in us as we wait to reap the rewards of daily watering and care. Plus, connecting with nature is a must when it comes to summer activities that boost mental energy.
Related: 6 Simple Ways to Celebrate Earth Day at Home
6. Spend more time with your pets
There may be nothing more grounding than hanging out with a dog or cat—or any pet that brings you joy! Summer is the perfect excuse to take your sweet pup out for an adventure, maybe a long walk or a hike on a trail. You could even get one of those cat backpacks and take your feline friend too! If you don’t have a dog yourself, this could be an opportunity to sign up for a dog-walking service to make some extra cash while doing something leisurely physical and boosting your mental health. Being around animals can be an easy ticket to accelerating mental energy. Of course, be cognizant of your furry friends’ health too: Don’t take a pup out in peak heat!
7. Nurture your friendships
Community is important in all seasons, but there’s something extra special about hanging with your friends during the summertime. So prioritize your connections with friends during these few short months! Maintaining good relationships with friends and family does wonders for your mental energy—so make sure you’re hanging out with people who leave you feeling refreshed and recharged rather than drained. Spending quality time with good people is arguably the most fulfilling item on this list.
Related: 4 Easy Ways to Show Your Friends Appreciation
Summer provides a unique opportunity for students to rejuvenate both body and mind with the help of a variety of engaging activities. By breaking free from electronics and trying out some of these mentally stimulating experiences, you can effectively combat lethargy and enhance your overall energy and mental health. These activities not only offer physical benefits but also foster a deeper connection with nature, your community, and yourself. Embrace the warmth and vibrancy of the season by giving yourself a mentally enriching and fulfilling summer experience!
Summer is also a great time to search for scholarships because it helps keep you stimulated and lowers your stress levels by bringing down your future college costs. Get started today!
