Summer is now upon us and it couldn’t have come sooner. Now all the stresses of everyday life in high school such as, regular homework, keeping a social life, and extracurricular activities are over – at least for a couple months.

Not only is summer a time for relaxation and fun with your friends, it is also an extremely opportune time to better yourself. With that being said, here are five great ways to kick off your summer the right way.

One absolutely fantastic way to have a great summer is to start out by cleaning, everything. Starting out fresh is a great way to feel good about yourself and the life you live so go ahead grab that detox water and clean anything you find to be in an untidy or gross state.

To go along with bettering yourself, another way to have the summer of your dreams is to start working out, whether it be going for a hike, riding your bike instead of driving your car, or simply hitting the gym, summer is a great time to get your body into the shape you want it to be in.

Now that we’re in a physically cleaner life as well as living a healthier lifestyle, the time for sleep is here. All throughout the year we are being deprived of the necessary sleep that we as teens truly do need. Feel free to take that afternoon nap now and sleep in for the mornings because now that school is out, we need to catch up on our sleep schedules.

Once you’re well rested it is time to set your priorities straight. No more of settling with whatever your friend decide to do, it is time for your to start doing what you truly want with your life. If you feel like you need or simply just want to do one certain activity over another then you should, go with your gut instinct and you will have an awesome summer.

Unplugging is something we all need to more and with summer here, why shouldn’t we? Go out with your friend and enjoy life, not social media life, actual life with birds and trees and fresh air.

Take this summer and have the time of your life, live it the way you want it and go out there and have fun.