What Should Students Do During the Summer?
School’s out, finals are done, and summer’s here! So, what’s the plan? Some friends might stick around, others might be off on family trips, but where does that leave you? Summer’s a chance to take a break from school stress, but it can also bring FOMO, anxiety, or boredom. This could be the perfect time to focus on your mental health, maybe through teen counseling or therapy for college students, or to dive into self-growth and discovery. So, what’s on your summer to-do list?
Start By Slowing Down
Not all schedules are created equal. Maybe you lucked out this year with chill classes and teachers who didn’t overload you with homework. If that’s you, go ahead and skip this part. But for most high school or college students, that’s not the case. You’ve been buried under homework, group projects, online discussions, and everything else life throws your way. As summer rolls in, start slowing down. I know that might make you feel uneasy. Your brain’s still stuck in survival mode, convincing you that slowing down means you’re being lazy. But that’s not true. You just powered through two intense semesters, and giving yourself time to recover is exactly what you need. But what does this look like?
There’s no wrong way to interpret this. It’s your chance to sleep in without stressing about school, spend the day doing things you love like journaling at home or by Lake Michigan, or just do nothing at all. Yes, even bingeing Netflix on the couch is totally fine! These activities don’t have to be forever but starting off slow can really ease your nervous system back to baseline. Still worried about how to do this or your nervous system is putting up a fight? Consider working with a therapist for teens or therapist for college students who can help guide you through this process.
Rediscover Your Interests
Let’s be honest, you probably rolled your eyes at this heading. Without reading further, I would’ve too. But hear me out. During the school year, your days are jam-packed with classes, homework, extracurriculars, and trying to fit in a social life. That doesn’t leave much time for the stuff you actually want to do, right? You end up squeezing things into whatever free moments you can find. No shame in that, it’s just how it is. But guess what? Summer is your chance to finally focus on the things you love, without the pressure of a packed schedule.
For instance, if you like art then the Evanston Art Center can be a great place to hit up. It has classes (online and in-person), workshops, and even exhibitions. This is an opportunity to be creative outside of what is being graded in art class or your college art elective because you want to knock out those electives. Plus, did I mention it’s by Backlot Coffee? So, if you need a little bit of caffeine to start the creative process, this is definitely the place to go. Why is this a great example besides it being local? It’s a great example of exploring your passions and interests without school guiding them.
But This Isn’t the Only Thing You Can Do!
Now, you don’t need to take classes or channel your inner Bob Ross to find joy this summer. Joy is just as important as adding another internship or experience to your resume. Whatever makes you happy is worth your time. Maybe it’s listening to music at Gallery Park, gaming with friends (or solo), or checking out new spots like the Lucky Platter or Le Peep Evanston. This summer, remind yourself: you don’t need to be productive 24/7. Take breaks. Relax. Read a book in the park or binge your favorite show. Balance personal growth with self-care, it all matters.
Get Out of the House (But Not for FOMO Reasons)
Sunshine is actually good for you. I know, you’ve probably heard this from your parents or teachers, but it’s true. It’s not just great for your health, it can also help with Seasonal Affective Disorder during the summer. And hey, just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you can’t feel anxious or down. Don’t let anyone dismiss your feelings just because it’s “supposed” to be a happy season. This is why getting out of the house can help you with that. When you stay at home all the time, it can start as a good thing but then become a habit that’s hard to break. How do you break this? Do something different!
Now, don’t just do things that you think that will impress your followers on TikTok or Instagram. Or even because of FOMO. Do it for you. Switch things up by exploring local gems in Evanston. Take a walk or bike along the Lakefront Trail, or relax at Lighthouse Beach. Water has a natural way of calming the nervous system. Feeling hungry? Head to the Evanston Farmers Market. It’s a great way to support local vendors and maybe even pick up some new hobbies. Who knows, you might leave with some solid sourdough advice! But of course, if you’re still wanting the quiet atmosphere like you have at home there’s Evanston Coffee Lab & Roasters, where you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee and catch up on some work.
Take a Small Adventure
Maybe you feel like you’ve done everything there is to do in Evanston. I get it. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Good news! Chicago is right there, and it’s full of options. Check out the Lincoln Park Zoo, wander through the Art Institute, or hit up a neighborhood street festival for live music, good food, and great vibes. You don’t have to do any of this, but if you’re looking to recharge and reconnect with yourself, it’s a good place to start.
Reflect, Don’t Spiral
When your brain gets more downtime, it starts processing buried emotions and situations. This can sometimes lead to overthinking and a spiral of negative thoughts. Summer comes with a lot of free time, which can bring up feelings like loneliness, doubt, or pressure to make it all count. And that’s totally okay. Instead of letting those feelings build up, think about using the down time to check in with yourself and work through those emotions. Take a moment to reflect, but don’t dwell on it, that’s where the spiral starts. Use this time to pause, check in, and meet yourself exactly where you are.
However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to handle it all alone. Evanston has great resources, like teen counseling services and therapists for college students, ready to support you without judgment. And sometimes, all you need is a quiet space can help you clear your head. Grab a notebook or a friend and check out The Celtic Knot or Café Coralie. These are great spots for some coffee or a refreshing beverage and some reflection. Remember, summer doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to feel like yours.
Make Summer Yours
Summer is your time, your season to define. There’s no right or wrong way to spend it, whether you’re seeking adventure, picking up new hobbies, or just slowing down to catch your breath. Take a moment to think about what you want this summer to feel like. Calm? Exciting? Maybe a mix of both? Whatever it looks like, it’s yours, and that’s enough.
And if things start to feel overwhelming, that’s okay too, you don’t have to carry it all alone. Whether it’s through teen counseling in Evanston, IL, or therapy services for college students in Chicago and Evanston, help is here. Asking for support is a brave step, and these resources are ready to help you feel grounded again. This summer is yours, make it what you need it to be.
Find Support this Summer with Teen Counseling or Therapy College Students in Chicago & Evanston, IL
Summer is often an exciting time for teens and college students, but it can also bring stress, anxiety, or even depression. Final exams, life transitions, or personal struggles can feel overwhelming during this period of change. Taking care of your mental health is important. If you’re feeling stuck,Therapy for college students in Chicago & Evanston, IL and Teen Counseling in Evanston, IL can support you with a safe space to share and navigate these challenges.
At Evanston Counseling, we get it, navigating life as a college student or teenager isn’t always easy. That’s why our therapists are here to help you tackle the challenges of growing up. Whether it’s building coping skills, boosting resilience, or just feeling better overall, we’re here to support you. Let’s work together to find what works for you and prioritize your mental health. Ready to get started?
- Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
- Talk with a therapist who specializes in working with students and teenagers.
- Make summer one that will help you feel strong, resilient, and confident.
Other Therapy Services at Evanston Counseling
At Evanston Counseling, we’re here to help college students and teens navigate life with confidence and emotional strength. Life can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our therapists get it—they understand the unique challenges young adults face and provide a safe, supportive space to talk it all out. We offer therapy in Evanston and Chicago, IL, for teens, college students, parents, and anyone dealing with anxiety, depression, or big life changes. Our therapists use approaches like CBT, hypnotherapy, and even pet therapy. Need a place to sort through your thoughts or manage stress and anxiety? Our therapists are here to help. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs and goals.
