Quarter four of the 2024-2025 school year is coming to an end. Soon the weather will be warmer, days out in the sun will be longer, and all of our summer plans will make their way into reality. I personally find myself in two different situations during this time where I either feel proud of all that I’ve accomplished this year or that I needed to do more during a certain quarter. Whether you find yourself in the same situation as me, I want to let you know that it’s normal and understandable to feel the way you do! I also want to encourage you to take the past year as an opportunity to improve. I’ve created a list of healthy habits and ways that you can take advantage of your summer to not only relax but ease yourself into success during break.

Volunteering

As I approached my senior year of high school I found that volunteering was one of the best feel good experiences that motivated me the most. While it’s a requirement to graduate, it’s also a great way to connect with new people and discover new career paths that you wouldn’t have considered. You can look into local animal shelters, community centers, food shelters or even online for ways to contribute to your community and those in need.

Academic Prep

The words “academic prep” doesn’t necessarily mean spending your whole summer studying or stressing about the upcoming school year, but more creating a routine and head-space in the summer that will set you up for success year long. Some ways that you could do this is by finding new ways to manage stress, prioritizing tasks based on how difficult they are for you to complete, and managing your time better to avoid procrastination.

Personal Habits and Self Care

Many of us might already have a whole routine established that can include a skincare routine, an “everything shower,” or reading every day before bed. We perform better in school, sports, or in general when we feel good and treat ourselves with time to unwind. Whatever your habits and self care regime looks like it’s important to make it a feel good experience for yourself to unwind and look forward to at the end of a stressful day. Self care also involves having healthy eating habits, avoiding all nighters and fixing sleep cycles, and prioritizing mental health.

Overall the best advice is to set a goal of creating a good balance between school and your personal life. It’s never too soon to start: take full advantage of the long summer months to become your best self then and in the future. Let this school year be a new pathway to success. I hope that these tips and advice help you become your best self for the 2025-2026 school year.

And make sure to spend this summer with your family and friends!