Check out our summer playlist here.
Aiden:
Despite what anyone tells you, men need sweet treats just as much as women. Go get ice cream. It’s that easy. A cotton candy Blizzard from Dairy Queen? Sure. “Love It” Surrender to Strawberry at Coldstone? Why not. Culver’s blueberry cheesecake Concrete Mixer? Totally.
Ice cream is great any time of the year, but best on an outdoor picnic table after a pickleball game or a round of Blitzball. Enjoy it; you only have four more months.
Song: “Hold My Love” by Hans Williams
Kat:
Host a mini garage sale in your dorm with a couple of roommates or friends. You have to pack up everything at the end of the year no matter what, so why not declutter and make some money from it? Send a mass Google Calendar invitation and spend a couple of hours hanging out with your friends and selling the clothes, textbooks, dorm decor and kitchen supplies you no longer need.
Song: “Mariella” by Khruangbin and Leon Bridges
Bennett:
Prioritize being with your friends as much as possible. I’m talking about skipping studying and homework assignments as much as you possibly can. Now, don’t be dumb like me and leave your 10-page final paper for two days before the deadline, but procrastinate it as much as you can before you absolutely need to lock in. Or even better, just get it done well before it’s due, so you don’t have to worry about it. It’s only a matter of time before you and all your college friends go back home. No more late-night Taco Bell runs or deep conversations until 2 a.m. Trust me, you will miss it. You’ll be sitting around wondering what to do with your Friday nights for the next three months. Make the most of it, make unforgettable memories and most importantly, add to your dad lore.
Song: “Jack & Diane” by John Mellencamp
Bella:
Do not allow classes to take this gorgeous weather from you. Instead, take your homework to the beach. Bring a blanket, book and snack, and lounge on the waterfront.
Song: “What You Know” by Two Door Cinema Club
Michaela:
If you find yourself struggling to focus, give yourself some time to take a break. Go on a walk, get some fresh air and get your blood pumping. It will give you time to think about what you want to do and how. The change of scenery might even offer some new inspiration.
Song: “Just Another Day in Paradise” by Phil Vassar
Emily:
There’s a tickle in your throat. Your nose is a little runny. You toss and turn at night and wake up feeling like a zombie. Is it spring allergies? The common cold? Nope. It’s “Bieber Fever.” And there’s no cure. When it’s sunny and over 60 degrees outside, hop in your car, grab a couple of friends, roll the windows down and blast Justin Bieber’s “My World Album” over the speakers. Don’t fight it. Let the 2010s nostalgia take over.
Song: “Favorite Girl” by Justin Bieber
Autumn
Instead of worrying about missing peak UV index, take your homework outside and catch some rays while staying productive. Go to the football field with some friends and take breaks playing Spikeball in between studying. Even walking around the track a couple of times is a good reset.
Song: “Take It Easy” by the Eagles
Sadie:
It totally sucks that you can’t always be outside and enjoying the spring weather, whether it’s because of class, homework or other boring responsibilities. But don’t let that stop you from dressing like it’s spring. Even if you’re going to be stuck inside the buildings, wear that super cute dress or the new tank top you just bought for summer. You never know, maybe you’ll be able to sit by the lake for 20 minutes before your next class, or even have a class outside. Dress for where you want to be, not where you really are, and you’ll feel 10 times better. I know I always do.
Song: “Cruisin’ for a Brusin’” by Teen Beach Movie
Kenna:
If you know you need a super shutdown six-hour lock-in sesh, put on some quiet music. Then, every seven songs or so, add a super hype song that you LOVE. While it’s playing, get up and move. Remind yourself that you are still alive. I like to dance around, but a simple walk does the same thing. This helps keep your brain from rotting and is scientifically proven to increase knowledge on all topics. By scientifically proven, I mean it works for me, and that seems like enough proof to be real science.
Song: “Savannah” by West 22nd
Luca:
Set aside some time to get outside and let your mind wander for a bit. Get out and do something you don’t usually do, and don’t rush yourself. If you think something is going to take a lot of time, do it anyway. The time will pass regardless. Go outside and take a 10-minute walk with one mission: notice three things you’ve never really looked at before. The way the sun glimmers on the water. The amber glow of the remaining warm orange street lights. A bird call. When you return, you will realize the world is wider than you remembered. Its cliche, but a walk can change your life.
Song: “Life is Simple in the Moonlight” by the Strokes
Greta:
I get it. All of these tips require time, which you feel like you are running out of during finals week. So my tip is quick. It gives you a couple of minutes of freedom without the pit in your stomach thinking, How can I be enjoying this? I need to study for my molecular biology final (or whatever other insanely difficult test you have). Go to the Underground, flee from the PSEO students and visit to the TV in the far corner. There you will find an abundance of the most off-brand games you could ever find. Bring a friend and play. I personally recommend “Country Dance 2.” It’s the worst quality Just Dance knockoff of all time, but it is also the best, quick break you need. Plus, exercise is proven to help you focus, so you can just say you’re investing in your academics instead of wasting time.
Song: “backseat drive” by Strings & Heart
Kailey:
Got a free morning during the week? Take a sunrise plunge in Lake Johanna! When end-of-the-semester stress starts to hit, there’s nothing better than abandoning all sense of responsibility for half an hour and letting yourself breathe for a bit. The fade from spring into summer is the best time for morning plunges. It’s sure to get you out of your semester sulk and into a clearer mindset.
Song: “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” by Max McNown
Ella:
Swap the library for a shaded spot on campus. Fresh air and sunlight can boost focus and mood— just don’t forget sunscreen and screen brightness. Also, beware of your computer overheating. If you don’t feel like going out in the sun, maybe think about doing some spring cleaning in your dorm room. It’s never too soon to start packing and preparing for summer!
Song: “American Boy” by Estelle and Kanye West
Luke:
Are you swamped with homework and have no motivation to get it done? Take a break and head for a run. As a distance runner, running is one of my favorite things to do that makes me feel so much better mentally, physically and emotionally. It doesn’t have to be fast or long, but a run can put you in the right headspace and give you that extra push of motivation to get your homework done. Who knows, you may end up loving running after this and continue to do it day after day. Anyways, good luck on your homework and finals y’all!
Song: “Life Boat.” by RAYE
