How to Prioritize Your Wellness This Summer

Colleges often emphasize the importance of paying attention to your mental health during the semester, but it’s equally important to prioritize wellness over the summer. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do too much, whether you decide to work, find an internship, or take summer classes. Plus, even when you’re relaxing, you need to make sure you adopt healthy habits. In particular, there are a few things you should do.

1. Find Time to Relax

It can be hard to make the adjustment from having a full schedule to suddenly having a huge amount of free time. You may feel compelled to fill your time with new activities, but it’s also important to relax. Besides, a full-time commitment over the summer could mean you miss out on other experiences, such as summer programs or opportunities to travel. If you need to earn money, consider if working part time would be enough. For instance, you could offer tutoring or childcare for a few hours a week.

2. Talk to a Counselor

If you normally have regular sessions with a counselor on campus, you may like to seek out mental health services over the summer. In fact, this can be extra important while you’re away from the structure of your regular routine. Find someone you can talk to about any negative emotions, worries, or concerns about the future.

3. Eat a Balanced Diet

Being active over the summer means you need to eat enough to compensate for all the calories you’re burning. However, it’s important to refuel with healthy foods. You may even like to use the summer to improve your cooking skills, especially if you have family members who can help. You’ll benefit from these skills when you return to campus in the fall, as you’ll be able to prepare delicious meals that make you feel good and will suffer from less stress knowing you’re not overspending on food.

4. Exercise on a Regular Basis

Even though you may be away from the gym on campus, you have no excuse to end your exercise regime. You can work out for free by doing bodyweight exercises at home, going for a jog or hike, or riding your bike around town. If you don’t always have much time to spare for exercise, do some intensive cardio workouts.

5. Drink Alcohol in Moderation

Although alcohol can help you feel relaxed in the moment, drinking in excess can have multiple negative effects. Find ways to have fun over the summer that don’t involve drinking.

Where you live also makes a big difference to your wellness. You’re much more likely to maintain good mental health if you’re living in an apartment with great amenities than if you have a cramped dorm room on campus. An alternative to Durham College residence is Foundry 1805. Our apartments have spacious bedrooms, updated appliances, and granite countertops. Plus, all residences have access to our community amenities, which include study rooms, onsite laundry, and even a wellness center. Book a tour to see how living here will improve your time at university.