Summer is here and the adrenaline of the end of the school year is finally starting to ebb. It’s time to take a deep breath, shake off the stress, and ground yourself in the beautiful present. We don’t mean plant yourself in front of the TV either—summer is the perfect time to wean yourself off screens and enjoy the beautiful weather. Here are six tips to aid you on your mind detoxification journey over summer break.
1. Limit your screen time
With your academic duties on hold, it can be tempting to fill your newfound free time by scrolling social media and binge-watching reality TV. But lengthy periods of staring at screens can leave you feeling unproductive and unmotivated. Here’s my remedy: Try setting aside a specific amount of time for electronics every day. It’s a tough first step, but it’s one that will have a positive impact on your mindset and will free up some time to try out some other tips on this list.
Related: The Balancing Act of Social Media
2. Get outside
What better way to reconnect with nature than to experience it firsthand? Integrating a peaceful morning stroll or nature walk into your daily routine is a great way to open and refresh your mind. Spice it up by bringing along a camera or journal to unlock your creative side and document any special findings. My pre-breakfast runs have become one of my favorite parts of the day!
3. Weed out the negativity
Many of us are negatively influenced by social platforms every day. Whether we realize it or not, being surrounded by the glamorous, filtered lives of others can give our own lives an illusion of inferiority. Get that weight off your shoulders and take the leap to unfollow any accounts that don’t uplift and inspire you. Putting your mental well-being first is an essential step in detoxifying your mind.
4. Practice mindfulness
If you struggle with brain fog or anxiety, setting aside time in your day to be mindful could be just the thing you need. Not sure where to start? Try out some beginner’s yoga to wind down before bed (YouTube is full of free guided sessions). Alternatively, paid apps like Calm and Headspace can teach you meditation techniques and improve your sleep so you can wake up feeling more refreshed.
Related: 7 Easy Ways to Make Your Semester More Mindful
5. Grow something
Bringing a little piece of nature to life in your own home is an extremely rewarding endeavor. Resilient houseplants like Aloe vera, Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutated), and Pothos (Epipremnum) are a great place to start for green-thumbed newbies. If you prefer a more hands-on experience, plants like marigolds, radishes, and sunflowers make perfect, easy first additions to gardens. Hardware, home, and garden stores all have beautiful selections of seeds to help get you started!
6. Cleanse your diet
They say you are what you eat, so it makes sense that the food you put into your body can have big effects on your mood. Processed foods tend to drain your energy and motivation, while fresh, organic options are packed with nutrients to rejuvenate and keep you healthy. Try integrating a green juice or salad (my favorite is with strawberries and avocado) into your daily meals, or just swap out some unhealthy snacks for veggies.
Related: The Best Advice for Healthy Eating in High School
I hope these six simple tips have inspired you to shut off the TV and head outside this summer! May you have a wonderful, refreshing break so you can return to school with a clear mind and a renewed readiness to learn.
Looking for more ideas to keep you busy this summer? Check out Our Best Advice for Having an Awesome Summer Break!
