Summer break projects: 4 ways to optimize your summer

Facebook Tweet Pin LinkedIn Email

After a long school year, it’s time for a much needed summer break. To binge watch the series we were holding off on. To travel and spend time with loved ones. Or to couch potato to the max. Whatever floats your boat. But at some point, the joy of finally doing nothing starts to wear off. And we begin to feel je ne sais quoi. A little bored? If you have no idea what I’m talking about, I’m a little jealous of you. You just continue to live your best life. If, however, you’re anything like me and start to feel restless when you have too much time on your hards – here are 4 summer break projects to try out.

1. Try something new

Summer break is great for trying out something you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t had the time for. Maybe learn a new skill, like coding or doing the perfect smokey eye, or complete a one-off project, like painting your room. Maybe you want to create a new habit. In which case, you can try the 2-minute rule from James Clear’s Atomic Habits.

The great thing is, there’s no pressure so you can have fun. And in the process, you end up learn something about yourself. You might discover things you enjoy doing (or don’t), and even things you’re good at.

Recently, I re-organized a few small areas in my home. I still feel so satisfied every time I see those spaces because they’re more functional now and I did it myself. But the best part was realizing it’s not as hard as I thought. I’ve seen so many beautifully organized kitchens and closets online. Functional and so aesthetic. I always wondered how people got started on those projects, figuring out how to organize and what to put where while making the place look beautiful.

What I did was nothing close to that lol. I just organized 2 shelves in one of my kitchen cabinets and 2 closets. And surprisingly, that was enough to give me a little boost in confidence. Now, I can imagine eventually building up to tackling larger projects. I have no idea how’d they turn out. But I don’t feel as intimidated to try anymore. Which is big progress for me.

This experience was yet another reminder that usually, the hardest part is just getting started.

2. Get into a workout routine

A great project for the summer break is getting into a regular exercise routine. Which is important for so many things, but especially learning and brain function.

When the school year starts, it can be hard trying to start and maintain a workout routine. We’re motivated for the first few weeks. But as assignments accumulate or exams approach, it can be harder to make time for non-urgent, yet important, tasks.

At that point, we start to miss some days. Then we feel crappy and/or stressed for not sticking to our routine. Which just adds to the stress we’re already feeling from classes. I know the feeling. I went through the whole cycle during undergrad.

So it’s helpful to start during summer break when we have more time and are less stressed. The sun’s out and the weather is beautiful. Just seeing that can be the push needed to get outside and moving.

Maybe on the first day you just go outside. Get some sunlight in your eyes. After a few days of this, you start walking for 5-10 minutes. Or you do a short home workout in your backyard or garage. I love the ones from Fitness Blender. Anything to just get started. And then gradually get into a rhythm of exercising 3 or 4 times a week.

Once the school year starts, continue that routine. Make it a priority by scheduling your workouts first, then structure your studying around it.

3. Get cooking

Cooking is probably one of the best life skills to have. It’s great for your health because most homemade meals are much healthier than eating out. It’s great for saving money. And it’s great for having people over. There’s nothing quite like a nice homemade meal.

Which is why I think everyone should know how to cook. Doesn’t have to be amazing. But at least know your way around a kitchen.

When you’re first starting, it doesn’t have to be cooking per se. You can experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect go-to salad. Or make a simple salad dressing, which is great for replacing unhealthy, store bought bottled dressings.

You can also start with your favourite simple meal that your parents make. After a couple times, you’ll start to feel more comfortable in the kitchen and want to try other things too.

You’ll also love the satisfaction of preparing something and seeing others enjoy it.

4. Learn how to learn

The last idea on this list of summer break projects is learning how to learn. This is especially valuable for anyone returning to school in the fall. After all, learning is a skill. Which means that we can learn how to do it and get better with continued practice.

And it’s worth the initial time investment because it makes learning easier down the road. Even after just a couple weeks, you can study more efficiently which opens up free time for non-study things.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that getting better at learning has made the process more enjoyable for me. Which is helpful since medicine requires ongoing learning.

For some inspiration, I want to share the story of Dr. Barbara Oakley. Recently, I started taking her free course Learning How to Learn. At the start of the course, she describes how she trained her brain to think differently and learn as she went through various experiences in her life. In short, growing up, she wasn’t very good at math and now, ironically, she’s a professor of engineering.

I love this story so much because if she can do it, then so can I. It gives me hope that I can train my brain to learn and understand anything I want it to. And you can too.