Summer vacation: Three glorious months of doing whatever you want. Here's how to make the most of it.

While there are hundreds of activities to fill your free time, the massive amount of time can be overwhelming. All that free time makes some students catch the summer slump: A seemingly inescapable state of boredom. Check out the following ways to avoid the summer slump and make the most of your summer.

Stay Productive

A lot of the summer slump feeling comes from just doing nothing. The remedy? Staying productive. Getting a job will net you some extra cash for the fall semester and keep your schedule busy. Summer school is a great option for getting ahead in your studies (or help you catch up). If there are no other options, doing yardwork is a simple way to stay productive and keep your yard looking beautiful.

Set Goals

Set goals at the beginning of summer, and you will feel active and satisfied. Accomplishing short-term tasks, like a house project, drives you to wake up while giving you the gratifying feeling of a job well-done. Long-term goals, like getting in shape, will also give you something to strive for during the entire break.

Try New Things

Having the same daily routine sounds nice at first, but too much of a good thing isn’t good for long. Eventually you will long for something new. Why wait for the summer slump to hit before trying new things? Pick up a new instrument or try to teach yourself a new skill. Whatever you choose to do, trying new things will keep your summer interesting.

Go on Adventures

Summer adventures are the best way to make the most of your summer. Experiencing new environments is both exciting and relaxing. Planned trips with family or friends are fun and give you something to look forward to. Trips don’t have to be expensive — or even planned. Satisfy your natural wanderlust with spontaneous trips to the beach or to a national forest with friends or family. Pick up a paddleboard from Auburn Outdoors and visit Lake Martin for a cheap, exciting day trip.

Connect with Friends

Old or new, your college friends have the same busy semester schedule and relaxing summer break as you do. Why not set some time aside to hang out with those most important to you? Summer is a great time to connect with the new friends you've made at Auburn or reconnect with old friends from back home. Friends help us get through the semester and make the summer enjoyable. 

Don’t let the summer slump dominate your break. Have fun, be safe and to try new things. Get up and get out this break and make the most of your summer!

Be well, Auburn.

Photography: Colt F.