Allison Donlan

Do you remember the feeling you used to get as a kid when summer was approaching?  Like you were so ready to soak up every ray of sun and roll around in water, soil, or sand?  Like you could do absolutely anything because school was out?  As adults, it’s sometimes harder to find that magic when summer comes around — you’re just hot and sweaty all the time, and you still have to go to work or an internship, or prepare for the next semester of college.  But why not try to grab onto that feeling again?  Summer can still be a time of peacefulness, and of new and exciting changes.  Take a moment to think about what you love about summer, and how you can incorporate those things into your life today.  In addition to giving yourself a moment of reflection, you’ll find new ways to welcome summer into your life.  Whether it’s getting closer to nature, finding more time for friends and family, or even exploring a new hobby, get excited about summer again.

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1) Reconnect with loved ones.

Sure, you probably can’t schedule the next few months full of playdates, but it’s still a good time to reach out to people you’d like to spend more time with.  Take a look at your calendar or planner and find some openings, or even try to reschedule non-essentials.  Then, get in touch with friends or family members you haven’t seen much lately.  If you enjoy the warm weather, make the most of it by getting cold drinks or ice cream and taking a walk, or step things up and plan an outdoorsy day of hiking or swimming.  Alternatively, stay in by the air conditioner and catch a summer blockbuster or simply sit inside and catch each other up on your lives.  This summer, make a concerted effort to live in the moment when spending time with people you love.  Since you’ve planned time to be together, you know you’re not neglecting any other responsibilities, and you and your loved ones deserve a break from your hectic lives.

2) Get outside.

Everyone’s lifestyle is different, but I think it’s fair to say that people spend a lot of time indoors nowadays.  Office jobs keep you in, well, an office for most of the day, and there are countless ways to spend your leisure time inside too.  Even if nature isn’t your thing, consider taking advantage of the nice weather this summer and spending some time outdoors.  Keep it simple by going for a walk or a run, whether you want to bring a buddy along (see above!), listen to a playlist or podcast, or just take in everything around you.  There’s something special about being outside and breathing in the fresh air.  If you live in a city or other busy area, just going down the street can be great, especially if you like people-watching.  However, if you’re near any parks or hiking trails or are willing to make a trip to one, definitely do so.  Maybe you love nature and are already on board, but if this isn’t the case, at least give it a try.  Surrounding yourself in nature might mean dirty sneakers and a few bug bites, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to center yourself and relax.  You can also get adventurous and make time for activities like kayaking or more intense hiking.

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Whether it’s getting closer to nature, finding more time for friends and family, or even exploring a new hobby, get excited about summer again.

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3) Try something new.

When we’re children, summer is the perfect opportunity to explore new hobbies because we have so much free time.  Now, although you probably don’t have much more freedom in the summer than you have in any other season, there’s no reason not to do something new anyway.  It’s always good to learn new skills and diversify your interests.  Remember, there’s no pressure to become an expert at your new hobby before summer ends, or ever.  As much as our society glorifies competition and success, it’s okay to do some things just because we enjoy them.  That’s what hobbies are for, after all.  Engaging in a new activity will stimulate your brain, inspire you, and relax you.  Make a list of all the things you think it would be cool to know how to do, or just to know about (a hobby could simply be learning more about a subject that appeals to you).  Pick one or two, even if they don’t seem realistic.  Look for local classes and workshops, search for tutorials online, buy a book or kit to help you, or consult a friend who’s already involved in your chosen activity.  Let go of the nagging voice that tells you that you must be perfect and you must be constantly productive, and enjoy the experience of doing something for the first time.

 

Allison is a rising senior at Hamilton College who loves reading, writing, and animals.  She is majoring in Literature and minoring in Psychology, and she hopes to go into publishing upon graduation.  

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