The academic year tends to be quite hectic for students but the last month of school is usually the most exhausting, due to deadlines of assignments and exams. Students want to do well to feel satisfied for all the hard work they have put in and to progress to the next year. This year more than ever, due to all the changes that students experienced in the academic year, most are looking forward to have their summer break. Although some students would have been longing for summertime so that they can rest, once the holidays start they do not know how to spend them which can lead to feelings of boredom. Although we frequently complain that we hate routines, they are helpful in the fact that we know what to expect during the day and can make plans around the different activities we have.
Summer is a good time to recharge yourself and gain back all the energy you have used during the academic year. It is okay to take it easy and relax, this will help you to start the new academic year energized and focused. Once you start the adult working life there will be little to no opportunities at all where you can spend a whole summer relaxing. So enjoying it whilst it lasts is not so bad after all.
Nonetheless, some students may feel that they want to use their summer more productively and if they are at the age where they can work, they look for a summer job. Working helps you to grow and to start experiencing better how the adult life works. It can help you become more responsible and deal with different people. It is an opportunity to make new friends and also to start earning money which you can use to support your hobbies or perhaps to save up. For some, deciding not to work is not an option as financially they have to help out their family and therefore need to give their contribution.
Summertime can provide the time to catch up on hobbies that you have neglected throughout the year because of your studies. Doing what you love will make you feel happy and this contributes to positive mental health. You might also want to try out a new hobby which has been on the shelf for some time. We frequently use the excuse that we are busy and do not have time for anything, summer is the perfect opportunity to try out something new when you have more time for yourself and less demands.
Some students may want to join a club or attend a summer school programme where they can learn different skills or engage in sports, depending on what they sign up for. It can also help to develop a structure for the week and balance out between leisure time and being productive. In conclusion, use the summer holidays to do what makes you feel good so that when the new academic year starts, you would have rested sufficiently and do not feel burnt out.
Dr Marilyn Muscat is registered as an Educational Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council in the United Kingdom where she trained. She works with children, adolescents and their families to understand more about educational, social and emotional well-being concerns that they have and to help them improve upon their difficulties. She can be contacted on marilyn@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817.