Get Rest

Do you want to make the most of your summer before you go back to school?

What if 'making the most of your summer' didn't mean giving your spare evenings to networking events or working on your portfolio?

Here's some summer advice you might not hear on the street: get rest.

Seriously.

If, like many other students, last semester took a toll on your health and energy levels, then now is the time to replenish them.

Everyone will tell you to 'make the most of your summer.' This can mean working hard, saving money, seeing friends and family, travelling, or volunteering — all good things! But as you look forward to every opportunity, make sure that you leave enough space in your life for the unsung hero of summer: rest.

Do things that you like.

Remember when you were a little kid and summer meant time to play outside with your friends until the sun went down? Hold onto that nostalgia. Make time to play this summer.

When was the last time you read for fun? When was the last time you watched your favourite Netflix series and you weren't procrastinating on anything? When was the last time you tried something new? Probably before the semester started. Definitely before exams and final papers took over. Now is your chance to do things you like that bring you joy.

Say no sometimes.

Opportunities to get involved are everywhere — and this is a really good thing! But if you are coming off a busy semester, jumping right into multiple new roles may not be the best thing for you.

Look at your schedule realistically. Do you have spare time for a spontaneous night or two? Is there space to help a friend if they need it, or to go on a date with that special someone? If your summer schedule is as full as your course timetable was, consider saying no to one or two of your commitments. Leave space for life to happen.

Sleep on time, for enough time.

We know, we know, your life is run on a schedule during the school year. But don't throw routine out the window! Get the best rest you can.

Let us be the mom friend and remind you that a good sleep schedule will help you recover better and stay healthy. Have a (pretty) consistent bedtime — you can always bend the rules for special occasions. Instead of sleeping from 2 a.m. to 9 or 10 a.m., try 12 to 8. Or 11 to 7. Wake up in the morning, not the afternoon. You'll still get 8 hours, but you'll get a better start to the day.

Don't believe us? Just try it. See the difference a few weeks of good sleep can make.

Start now.

Don't put off resting until August. May is your month to rest.

If you use these first weeks of summer wisely, you'll be ready to make the most of whatever your summer has in store.