Best ways to relax, rejuvenate this summer

Reading and yoga are just two ways to recharge your batteries.

Whew! When the long, challenging spring semester ended, you felt like the proverbial weight of the world was lifted from your shoulders. Now what?

You may be gearing up for summer classes, doing an internship, or working a part-time job, so you’ve definitely got stuff to do. But what about the extra free time you have in the summer that you don’t have during the fall and spring semesters?

Although they’re fun, don’t spend all your time playing “Call of Duty,” scrolling Instagram or binge-watching television. Here are a few ideas for winding down and enjoying free time this summer:

Read a classic book. The latest bestselling thrillers and romance novels are great, but why not dive into “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Pride and Prejudice,” “Great Expectations,” “Anne of Green Gables,” “Of Mice and Men” or a Shakespearean play? Also, drop by the Sherrod Library and see what’s available in the Silvers Reading Area on the first floor.

Listen to a different genre of music. Listen to country all the time? Hip-hop? Be adventurous – use your favorite music app to suggest some great big band jazz, television/movie soundtracks, blues, classical, bluegrass or relaxation music.

Get moving! Exercise is one of the best ways to alleviate stress and improve your fitness at the same time. Try yoga to relax and increase flexibility and strength. Go for a run. Take a group fitness class (check out the summer offerings at the Basler Center for Physical Activity). Take your dog for a walk, to help both yourself and your best furry friend stay in shape.

Try a new recipe. Eating fast food all the time is expensive … and unhealthy. And maybe you’re into meal prep, but you find yourself in a rut, cooking the same foods over and over. Why not ask one of the best cooks in your family to share a favorite recipe you can try on your own? Browse the recipe books at a library or bookstore, or key “food prep ideas” into your favorite search engine to see what comes up; you might add the words “easy,” beginner,” or “affordable” to your search. You’re sure to find a new favorite! Think you can’t cook? Trust us – if you can read and follow instructions, you can cook. Ask a family member or friend to help – they’ll be delighted to, and you’ll enjoy the time spent together.

Enjoy art. Take an afternoon and enjoy browsing through a museum, whether you’re traveling or staying at home. If you’re close to campus, drop by the Reece Museum.

Visit a historic site. Many people live their lives in one place and somehow never see the wonderful places with historic significance all around them. If you live in Northeast Tennessee, check out Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton and the nearby Carter Mansion and Sabine Hill, or visit Rocky Mount State Historic Site in Piney Flats, Historic Jonesborough, or the David Crockett Birthplace State Park in Limestone.

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.