With midterms coming to an end, summer break is just in the distance.
In the midst of studying chaos, the only thing on our minds is what we can’t wait to do when we are free for summer break. The thing with this kind of planning is that we tend to get over-excited. In reality, summer break comes around and we end up sitting on the couch binge-watching Netflix. Because of this, it’s best to be realistic when planning your break and manage your summer expectations wisely to avoid disappointment.
Expensive Trips May Be Out of Reach
Disneyland and Cancun may seem like perfect summer vacation destinations – and they are if you can afford it. Between textbooks, rent, groceries, and tuition, your wallet may be looking a little lighter towards the summer months. Instead, find some friends to join you at a local beach, museum, or a nature park.
Set Realistic Weight-Loss Goals
Working for that perfect summer body is great, but if you’re over-zealous with your expectations, you may give up entirely. After the first few days, you’ll realize that you’d much rather be sleeping in and relaxing than exercising during your summer break. Rather than planning to wake up at 7am to work out every day, try to set an easier fitness goal for yourself. You could decide to do 30 minutes of activity three times a week, for example.
School Work, Yeah Right!
Most classes don’t make you do homework before the class even starts. Some, however, may recommend getting started early to familiarize yourself with the material. If you’re a type A person, you may have lofty ambitions to get ahead of the curve by getting a head start on the reading. If you decide you’d rather play video games, that’s okay too. Summer is the time to relax and not worry about your grades for once.
Family Matters
The loneliness that results from being away from home can cause you to feel an elevated sense of tenderness towards your family. The free food and cuddles will seem like heaven in the beginning, until your parents start bossing you around like you weren’t just living on your own for a year. Prepare yourself for a modest reduction in independence over these next few months.
When you manage your expectations for the upcoming summer break, you’ll end up saving yourself a lot of disappointment. Still, it’s important to enjoy your summer as much as you can. Try to go out and get some sun. Read a book you’ve been meaning to read. Enjoy your hot meals and the freedom to do nothing.
About the Author: Aniqa Chowdhury is a third-year Communications major at San Diego State University with a growing passion for creative writing. Aside from writing, she also enjoys taking public speaking classes and reading fiction novels. Her hope is to work in the entertainment industry when she graduates.
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