Summer is here and maybe you are looking to take small break from classes or clinical rotations. Or, maybe you want to spend the summer celebrating graduation? It seems like everyone and their dog are going on fancy vacations all over, but school or a new job starting soon might be limiting your funds. Lucky for you, having a good time doesn’t necessarily mean spending money or leaving the country, but rather learning more about yourself, where you’re from, and working with the resources you already have. Here are some budget-friendly ideas that may be a life saver this summer!
Home Revamping
Since you have been busy ALL year, now it’s time to organize and clean your space. The happiness that comes from a clean and organized living space is NEXT TO NONE! A busy life tends to keep you from giving the attention that your home deserves to make it your favorite spot to relax. Spend a little money to buy new furniture pieces, organizational compartments, or just move around some items to reorganize. There’s nothing better than revamping your living space where you spend so much of your time. A clean house declutters the mind, too!
Take Time for YOU
Don’t feel bad about doing something that will make YOU happy. Take a “me day” and enjoy spending time with yourself. Take a whole week if you want to. Go to a coffee shop or library and read a new book or maybe schedule a facial and massage to relax. Walk around your favorite store and spoil yourself with a few things. Go out to eat at a restaurant or brunch place you’ve never been before; eating by yourself is always a new experience. There is always more you can learn about yourself when you take the time to enjoy your own company.
Airbnb Weekend
Take a weekend to explore cities around you that you’ve never visited before. Sometimes we get so focused on extravagant vacations that we don’t even think about the towns near us. You can Google the major city closest to you and make a budget-friendly road trip out of it. Then search any local things to do or places to eat and take time to explore a new area!
Netflix Marathons Outside
Create a cool fort with tents, lights, food, pillows, and blankets and watch some movies or TV shows you’ve been meaning to get to. Hook up an extension cord to a laptop to create your own personal movie theatre. Invite a few friends over and use your backyard as a camping ground. No one is ever too old to camp out in their backyard to enjoy some summer nights!
Museum Day to Explore Your City
There are always places that haven’t been explored in your city. Do you know your city’s origin? Have you heard the history? Get out to some local museums to learn more about where you live. You can also explore local art museums and put your mind to work. Growing cities are always finding new ways to add culture; go explore where you live!
Park and Trail Day
Physical activity is one of the best ways to get endorphins going and to enjoy the summer months. Research the hiking or biking trails in your city and get moving! There’s no reason to be cooped up inside all summer long. Get out and enjoy the nice weather before you’re busy again with school or work.
Whether you do a “staycation” or an actual vacation, remember to take a little time for yourself to refresh and reset and within budget.
Melody Claus is a Student Outreach Coordinator for the Student Outreach division of Aureus Medical Group.