Welcome Back This Summer

Welcome back this summer. I know many of you guys are on the grind looking for summer work, traveling, spending time with family and friends or just plain chillen.   If you’re back for the summer feeling a little bored, try to make a plan for yourself. Before you know it these couple of months will have flown by and it will be time for you to return to college.  So, make the most of the time you have.   Many folks don’t realize you can live it up in different ways.   Summer is about more than just relaxing.  It’s also a time to reflect, and reorganize your goals for the next school year.    I encourage you all to be proactive this summer, set goals and make a plan. Here are some tips by Steven Moneyworth to keep you active and on your game.

#1 Set realistic summer goals

Many college students make the mistake of setting unrealistic summer goals.  For example setting a goal of “learning organic chemistry” over summer is unlikely to happen.  However, setting a goal such as reading a book, visiting a museum, or national park, maybe a historical monument (or two) is manageable.  Resist the temptation of making a grandiose summer goal.  You are more likely to set and achieve goals that serve as motivation to continue being productive during the summer. 

#2 Have summer obligations

If you bored make sure you have at least one or two tasks that you plan to do each week.  If you’re productive you can’t develop irregular sleep patterns and/or work habits.  These tasks (or job) could be mowing the lawn, volunteering, cooking for the family.  A single task can help start a regular routine which would definitely increase your productivity. 

#3 Get regular sleep

Now, we know college students like to live it up when their at home for the summer.  Late nights celebrating your summer vacation is great, but getting regular sleep as well as enough sleep is important.  If you’re having trouble getting up before 2pm set an alarm and don’t stay up a too late. Otherwise you will lack the motivation to accomplish nothing the next day!

#4 Stay Active

If you are someone who has a lot on your plate this summer, it may be tempting to focus on everything except taking care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating healthy and working out; hopefully decreasing your risk of getting sick over the summer and helping you to remain active.  Being productive is not just about mental sharpness and work ethic- your physical conditioning greatly affects your ability to learn and produce good work.

#5 Take time to relax

Summer is the one time of the year when you get to do things like going on vacation and sleeping in a little more.  Take time for yourself; if you’re busy this summer make sure you reward yourself with taking a break, treat yourself, maybe shopping, watching a movie or maybe get a manicure/pedicure. 

Being productive this summer can be difficult for many people. But, if you follow the tips above you are likely to get things done, achieve your goals and feel good about your summer.    If you’re interested in being active and giving back this summer, please look below for volunteering opportunities.  Feel free to share your thoughts & opinions. 

VOLUNTEER SITES 

• Food & Friends:  http://www.foodandfriends.org/site/pp.asp?c=ggLMIYOGKrF&b=3747191
• Greater DC Cares:  http://www.greaterdccares.org/AboutUs/index.php/index.html
• Idealist.org:  http://www.idealist.org/search?all_sort=modification_date&search_duration_months=short-term&search_region=003&all_page=1&search_type=volop&search_country=us&search_state=us_dc&search_commitment_level=flexible&search_keywords=#at_facet_commitment_level