Summer time is finally here and all you want to do is catch on sleep, eat, hang out with friends, get outside, and skip work. Well, for those of you who have plans on staying in shape physically and mentally this summer, here are some tips on how to do exactly that.

  1. Read books
  2. Reading is a great way to enjoy the time and also to keep your mind sharp. The key here is to read books that peaks your interest. Whether you’re into science fiction, adventure, historical or romance novels just find one that you actually want read.

    Another great challenge would be to read a book about something or someone in your field of study. This book does not have to be a boring textbook. There are plenty of books that are interesting relating to topics such as: business, law, psychology, graphic design, broadcasting or whatever your field of study happens to be. Or, why not take an interest in something completely out of your comfort zone?

  3. Develop a new skill or find a new hobby
  4. Use the warm weather in the summer to learn something that you have always wanted to do. Perhaps you have always wanted to take up archery, fishing, masonry or even cooking. These are things that you actually have time to learn to do and do them well with all your new free time. Imagine how cool would it be to tell are your friends that this summer you learned how to fly a plane! That’s a bit extreme, but you get the picture.

    Maybe you have the desire to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby, but you just have nothing in mind, the Internet is a great place to start looking. There are plenty of great ideas online and almost anything that you could think about is online. Plus, there are hundreds of YouTube videos out there just waiting to teach you something awesome, so start looking!

  5. Hit the gym
  6. If you’re anything like me, you loathe the gym and only go one or twice during the winter. My daily workouts during the semester include my morning pushups, walking around and taking the stairs whenever possible. The summer is usually my time to up my muscle mass.

    You actually have time to go to the gym so go! There are no more lame excuses that are holding you back. Grab a friend or someone who will keep you keep you motivated and get back into shape. Take group class at your local gym if a friend is not available. There are plenty of programs that will have you in and out of the gym in an hour or less. In the words of Nike, “Just Do It”.

  7. Find time to be outdoors
  8. Whether you live in the country, suburbs or the city make sure that you plans some outside time. Being outdoors in the sun provides your body with lots of vitamin D and is just a good thing to do in general. Outside there is an abundance of fresh oxygen just waiting for you to enjoy.

    You also have plenty of things to do outside that are free. Free is a good thing! Visit a local park, go on a run… Whatever you do just make sure you get outside and get active.

  9. Eat Right
  10. Take advantage of those free homemade meals this summer. Homemade meals are normally more healthy and they’re my favorite word, FREE. Or join a BBQ at one of the major holidays this year. Take advantage of the warm weather and the mass grilling taking place all around you..

    Avoid overindulging and catch up on the vegetables that you neglected so much.

Got any more ideas? Add them in the comments below!