As students wrap up mid-term season and recover from the excitement of spring break fun, they return to campus ready to buckle down and finish the semester strong, with final exams on the horizon. While the warm weather and sunshine may tempt students to ignore mounting assignments, staff and faculty are there to support students in staying engaged and focused.

Once the spring semester ends, some students choose to continue their academic pursuits throughout the summer, while others race to the finish line and prepare for a much-needed period of recovery before fall classes resume.

To make the most of summer months - when colleges and universities often operate with reduced staffing, fewer resources, and shorter hours - here are some strategies for personal renewal and well-being for our student veterans and their families (or yourself!).

Practice Physical Self-Care

• Prioritize sleep: catch up on rest and re-establish a healthy sleep routine.
• Exercise: Explore activities like yoga, swimming, or trying a new class. Discover new forms of movement that energize you.
• Nutrition: experiment with new foods, try a different cuisine or grow your own herbs.

Practice Mental Self-Care

• Practice Mindfulness: Engage in meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or experiences that allow you to focus on one point of concentration thing such as bird watching or fishing.
• Feed your curiosity: Stimulate your mind by learning something new, like reading a new book or engaging in a new hobby.
• Limit Stressors: Set boundaries for social media and distractions that drain your mental energy. Avoid overcommitting to activities and invites from friends and protect your time by prioritizing activities aligned with your goals.

Practice Social Self-Care

• Reconnect with Friends and Family: Spend quality time with people who uplift you, care about your well-being, make you laugh, and help you recharge.
• Volunteer: Give back to your community through activities like serving meals at a local food bank, participating in neighborhood cleanups, environmental activism, urban gardening projects or volunteering at animal shelters or wildlife rehabilitation centers. Service and volunteering can boost emotional health and fosters gratitude and purpose.
• Join a Group or Club: Engage with people who share your interests - whether it's related to art, music, gaming, advocacy, tech, hiking or sports, there is a range of groups to align with your interests.

Practice Emotional Self-Care

• Let Go of Emotional Baggage: Summer is a great time to release past grievances and grudges that accumulated during the fall and spring semesters. Forgiving can be freeing leaving energy to engage in meaningful activities.
• Embrace Creativity and Activities That Bring You Joy: Revisit hobbies you set aside during the semester. Pull out your paint brush, bake some bread, or engage in activities that replenish emotional energy.
• Cultivate Gratitude and Self-Compassion: Reflect on your achievements, big or small, and be kind to yourself. Treat yourself to comforting exercises, like spending time with a special person or watching your favorite movie.

Practice Spiritual Self-Care

Spiritual self-carecan be a deeply enriching way to connect and realign with your values, beliefs, and goals.

• Embrace Nature: Spend time outdoors to increase connection and stay grounded with the world outside of the classroom. Take a hike, visit a quiet stream of water or simply walk outdoors to embrace the sun, hearing the birds singing and observe the natural ecosystems in nature.
• Reflect and Reconnect with Yourself: Write, pray, reflect, or utilize art mediums such as painting or sculpting to connect and tune in to your inner thoughts, experiences, and emotions.
• Silence: Use moments of silence to tune into yourself and your surroundings - something that may have been overlooked during the busy semester.

Practice Career and Academic Care

• Gain Experience: Apply for internships, fellowships, or research opportunities related to your field of study. Look for part-time jobs that develop with your career interests and transferable skills such as time management and teamwork.
• Build Your Brand: Learn in demand skills through online platforms such as LinkedIn Learning. Update your resume or create a portfolio, or build an online presence that reflects your career aspirations and professional goals.
• Seek Mentorship and Shadow Professionals: Find a mentor in your field who can provide guidance, feedback and insights about your career path. Observe professionals in their roles to better understand your desired career and make informed choices.

The key is balance - make time to relax while making thoughtful choices that support your well-being. Whether students are enrolled in summer courses or taking time off to enjoy a break, prioritizing personal renewal, self-investment, and restoration help prepare for the fall semester.

Article Topics

Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success Working as a Veteran in HigherEd

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