Dear Devil’s Advocate,
I’m really excited for school to end and summer to start, but I’m a bit anxious that this summer won’t live up to my expectations. I won’t be traveling much, and not many of my friends are staying in the city. Do you have any ideas on how to ensure that I have am fulfilling and productive summer — even when I’ll be on my own?
Sincerely,
Staycationing Student
Dear Staycationing Student,
First of all, hello! I’m Lucy, your new Devil’s Advocate. I am so excited to help you all (my readers) out with your dilemmas. I hope to get some interesting questions this year, and as always, The Polygon encourages you to ask away, because I’m here to help!
Now, let’s get to your question. I hear you. The hype and lead-up of summer can put a lot of pressure on what is supposed to feel like a stress-free time. Whether you have trips planned, friends near you, school-prep, or hard-to-stick-to goals, there is always a way you can make your summer worth it. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when you’re bored at the beach, stuck in the sun, or alone in your home.
1. Make a Bucket List
Start your summer with a plan. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but didn’t have time for? Look no further, it’s time to create a bucket list! Creating an organized list of fun activities is a great way to make some goals for the summer and have something to look forward to. Learn a new party trick, gain some niche knowledge, go to a new restaurant, or try a new craft. A bucket list is the perfect way to customize your summer before officially committing to anything. Here are some examples to inspire you: plan a picnic, go to an outdoor movie night, go thrifting, create a scrapbook, or read a book. The bucket list itself is an activity that should make you feel accomplished, so why not make it pretty? Decorating your list can help spark your summer excitement with creativity and fun.
2. Take the Subway to New Areas
Summer in the city can sometimes feel overwhelming and touristy, but I guarantee — a part you haven’t seen — and what better way to find it than taking the subway! Get on a different train with a friend or family member and go five or eight stops further than usual, or in a new direction altogether. For example, Coney Island is easily accessible by train, and provides an awesome summer scene: roller coasters, funnel cakes, the ocean and a ferris wheel. Living in New York City may not seem like a gift when you’re walking in the sweltering heat and big crowds, but when you see a new area that’s only a 40-minute train ride away, you can start to appreciate a NYC staycation.
3. Return to Childhood Activities
During the summer, specifically as a teen, we often want to replicate the fun and exciting memories that we see in movies or on social media. But sometimes, these memories aren’t what we truly enjoy. I suggest that we take it back to our childhoods. Often, the things we enjoy most are the things that made us happy as kids. So, to avoid an elaborate plan for a summer’s day that ends in a letdown, revert back to a craft, game, or activity that you loved when you were little. If you used to spend your days doing watercolor, pick up a paintbrush. If you used to bike on a certain path, return to the same bike path. If you used to play frisbee, get a group of friends together and have a frisbee tournament. Doing this allows you to retry a bunch of things that you’re somewhat familiar with and that also bring you a sense of nostalgia.
All in all, I hope these tips help you kick off your summer and start relaxing. As high school students, we all put in so much effort, and summer should be your time to have fun and take a step back. Have a great summer and no matter how you spend it, I hope it’s full of fun and sun!
Best,
Devil’s Advocate
