5 Ways To Still Enjoy Your Summer When Your Internship Is Taking Over Your Life

Landing a summer internship, especially one you've been wishing and hoping for, is an epic feeling.

That acceptance phone call makes you feel flattered AF, because the applicant pool seems to get more competitive with each passing day.

On the first day of my internship, I was eager to prove myself.

Whether I was sealing envelopes, or getting a chance to write a full article, I was literally beaming. TBH, my face actually hurt from the ear-to-ear smile that took over my face.

When my second day quickly turned into my second week, things were still rolling smooth.

And a month and a half in? Do I low-key even have a social life anymore?

I'm not complaining, because anyone who has an internship is among the #blessed bunch.

But, going from a full-time school schedule straight into a summer internship can leave even the most enthusiastic intern wondering why they signed their entire summer away.

Even though it may feel like it sometimes, your whole summer doesn't have to be spent living and breathing your internship. You can still make the most of these upcoming months.

Here are five ways you can save your summer.

1. Organize Your Time

If the days at your internship are pretty routine, set a schedule for yourself so you can accomplish what you need to get done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Basically, when you're at work, make sure all of your assignments get crossed off the list. Don't waste your time scrolling through Twitter, because it will come back to haunt you later.

2. Know When To Step Away

When you're at your internship, give it your all. But when you're not there, remember you're not there. 

I know, easier said than done.

I used to spend so much of my time outside of the office worrying about things I'd done, or putting more work into the assignments I'd been doing. A little extra effort is good, but too much, and you're hurting more than helping.

3. Bond With The Other Interns

Everything's a little more fun with a work buddy around.

Spend time getting to know the other interns, and it will be less of a drag to head into the office every day. Who knows, you just might walk out with some professional connections and really great friends.

4. Wake Up A Little Earlier

I used to be the queen of staying in bed as long as possible, until I realized how much more time I'd have for myself if I got up a little earlier each morning.

Now, I take my time whipping up a delicious breakfast and watching my favorite Netflix show before having to rush out the door. That little time spent for myself can make the long day ahead so much easier to slay.

5. Make The Most Of Your Time Off

Whether you're at your internship two days a week or five days a week, make the most of the free time you do have.

If you sleep the whole weekend away, it's going to be easy to feel like you do nothing but work.

The weekends are also a great time to work a shift or two at a part-time job, especially if your internship is unpaid. It feels so rewarding to have some extra cash in your wallet for plans with the squad.