As another semester comes to an end, summer is now closely approaching. During our summer break, many people work jobs, take summer classes, or even just take some time to relax. Whether you are working a position or taking time for yourself, summer is the perfect opportunity to find new and effective ways to develop yourself. Here are 5 things that I recommend trying out this summer to help develop yourself.
1.) Exercise
There are many benefits to exercising for both your physical and mental health. These benefits include the prevention of specific diseases, strengthening of your bones and muscles, and the chances of living longer. With mental health, exercise helps boost your mood, improve sleep, and deal with anxiety, depression, and stress.
It has been recommended to start with a routine for a few weeks and see how you feel about it. Exercise also does not mean strictly going to a gym. It can be going for walks, swimming, biking, hiking, and many more things. Finding a fun way to exercise can help keep a routine and make it one you enjoy.
2.) Get into a daily summer routine
At school, people typically follow a basic daily routine based on their classes and extra-curricular activities. In the summer, since there may not be as much going on, we typically fall out of a daily routine. Falling out of a routine can result in trouble when returning to school again in the fall. Also, it can result in disorganization and affect your quality of rest.
The best way to maintain balance in your daily routine would be to find a schedule that best fits your needs. This can be doing particular activities at consistent times throughout the week. With having a routine, you can still have variety in your schedule; a routine just helps maintain some consistency. I know trying to keep a routine has been something very beneficial for me and helped keep balance in my life even when times seem to be hectic. Getting into your own routine will help with organization, balance, and productivity in your life.
3.) Try something new
This may be something you have heard often. Everyone wants you to try new things. Whether it's stepping out of your comfort zone or just trying new food, it is still something new. Trying something new can help develop and enhance new skills you may not have thought you had. It’s always important to be open to new experiences, which is one of the 5 characteristics of a leader. Demonstrating openness can help you develop new values while staying strong to your own. It can also open you up to new experiences and learn new perspectives. Overall, don’t hesitate to try something new this summer, it can help develop and enhance skills you didn’t even know you had and also help improve your openness to experiences.
4.) Unplug for a day
Taking the opportunity to unplug for the day is something you should try. Technology is something that we all use every day and has become a very influential part of our lives. I will admit, I am someone who does spend a lot of time on my phone, but taking the opportunity to unplug and put down your phone for the day can be beneficial to help improve relationships with others but also with yourself.
With unplugging, you can use this time to spend the day doing the things you love. This can be going outside, trying a new restaurant, spending time with loved ones, and so much more. You can also set aside some personal time for reflection and self-mediation. Giving yourself the chance to reflect on yourself is a great way to fully develop yourself. Here, you can find areas in your life where you are looking for improvement while also looking for areas where you feel most strongly. Unplugging for the day is a great way to develop yourself and take the time to enjoy everything outside of our screens.
5.) Treat yourself
We all love a good “treat yourself” day. There are times when we put too much pressure on ourselves or don’t treat ourselves as often as we should. Take the day to just do all of your favorite things. This can be eating your favorite foods, watching your favorite movies, or going to your favorite stores.
Sometimes we get so caught up in everything that it is important to take a step back and do something for ourselves. This is important for self-development because we are able to build on our self-knowledge. The practice of both effective leadership and the development of ourselves begins with ourselves. So take a day to treat yourself!
These 5 ways may be beneficial for developing yourself and there are also many other great ways to aid your personal development that you could take advantage of this summer. This break from the hectic environment of the school is an opportunity to take a step back from reality and find time for yourself. Hopefully, these 5 tips for developing yourself are effective for your own development.
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