Here comes the sun...

Yeah, summer in Britain is NOT this^

1st June is tomorrow and you know what that means? The first day of summer. Although I'm spending the next few weeks mostly indoors, either in an exam room or revising at home, I'm happy about it. It's nice to think ahead and forget about exams for a little bit, just to wonder what the hell I'm going to do when I'm a free man at the end of June.

While also thinking about how my stress-free summer days are numbered, I became determined around Christmas last year that I would finally do something useful during the summer. Most school holiday days for me included waking up at 12 ( I think 2pm is my record) and watching TV on the sofa for the next 12+ hours. Was I bored? Duh but I couldn't be bothered to do anything about it.

This time is different though. I've made a list of things anyone could do this summer and I'm hoping to finally practice what I preach and actually do some of these things.

1. Exercise.
An easy one I know but everyone talks about that "summer body". Get off your arse and keep fit over the summer, especially if you have a new season of sport in the autumn. Go jogging with your mates, hit the gym, play in a 5 a side football league. Just go out of your comfort zone to keep fit and healthy while making yourself happier. Yes, the hard work will make you happier in the long run.

2. Party.
Now I'm not a fan of this in particular, but a lot of people do it so it has to be on here. Summer is that best time for a party or barbecue where you can get together with friends and get wasted. You have the free time, go and have a good time.

3. Get creative.
If you're not the partying type, then go and do something that will spark your creative side. Obviously it should be something you enjoy and it should be flexible so it never gets boring. Write a blog, learn how to play your favourite songs on an instrument, or build something with your hands. Just some sort of project to make you feel like you're doing something useful.

4. Go on holiday. Abroad.

For some, this is a no brainer but I have met people who have hardly ever stepped a foot outside of the UK without school trips. I'm a big fan of travelling and no one should turn down the chance to explore the world, even if you're just crossing the Channel into France. If you do manage to go abroad, plan what you can do so you're not wasting your time by staying in the hotel/villa/house. There's no point if you're just doing what you'd do at home. Never know who you might meet as well...

5. Go to a festival. (16+)
Okay so most of the time, the conditions aren't great. Yeah that's right, you'll need some wellies. But Glastonbury, Reading + Leeds etc. all have great artists performing there every year. There's normally something for everyone as well. Camping with your mates and listening to good music in a party atmosphere. What's not to like?!

6. Get a job.
But why would you want to work when you've been slaving away for the last 10/11 months in school? Money. That's your motive. Our parents aren't going to spoon feed us the cash when we need it forever guys... Any job will probably be minimum wage but take what you can get if you're that desperate. Make it enjoyable if you can though.

7. Day trips
Sort of similar to number four but this one is cheaper and easier to do. A day out at the beach with family and/or friends cannot be ignored. Something's wrong with you if you can't associate summer with a beach anyway...

Make this a summer to remember. Cliché I know but there's going to be loads of hard work to do from September so enjoy what you have. As I've said before, don't go back to school thinking you regretted not doing something that would've made your summer better in some way. Because let's be honest, over here any warm weather doesn't last very long...