How to Stay Sharp over the Summer

Don’t let the warmer months dull your business school ambitions.

Getting a case of summer brain—especially if you’re trying to go to business school in a few months—is the worst possible thing to happen during vacation. Yes, it’s necessary to give your noggin’ a break from crunching numbers and analyzing novels, but you can be wise about your summer activities. You don’t necessarily need to crack open a book to stay smart.

Staying sharp and keeping smart

Intelligence can be measured by three things: your mind, body, and soul. So, here’s a list of five things you can do to make sure they’re all happy. When each of these things are happy, you’ll stay sharp, maintain focus, and keep your brain smarter.

Five tips for avoiding summer sloth

• Keep your body moving. It’s summer, so that means you have the opportunity to do plenty of swimming. Alternatively, take up a sport such as tennis or develop a routine workout plan. Try fun indoor classes, including yoga, dance, or cycling.

• Get creative. To keep the “poet” side of your brain fueled, do what you normally don’t have time for during the school year when you’re deep into “quant” thinking and spreadsheets. Paint, draw, dance, or join a theater group. Let your inner Picasso or drama queen/king shine. These extracurriculars will also look good on your résumé or business school application—demonstrating that you’re well-rounded.

• Stay home at least one day a week. Down time can be just as important when you’re trying to stay sharp as more high-energy activities. Set aside one day for yourself where you don’t leave the house at all. Feel free to stay in your pajamas or wear your comfiest sweats. Catch up on Netflix, eat your favorite food—whatever you need to do to recharge. No shame.

• Make sure you get out and socialize. To stay sharp, you also have to interact with people, engage in smart conversation, and discuss current topics in the business world. So, make sure that you’re still in tune with what’s going on in the world. Follow news accounts on Twitter and subscribe to daily newsletters so you’re not embarrassed the next time someone asks you about the Brexit and you have no idea what they’re talking about. More casual and friendly discussion is just as important as intellectual discourse, so spend time having fun with your friends as well.

• Schedule GMAT study time. Last but not least, if you’re planning on taking the GMAT or GRE, or are preparing for business school, you’ll want to set aside time for studying a few times per week. Set an alarm on your calendar or leave a note for yourself somewhere highly visible. You should also consider joining a summer study group for extra support.

Want to stay sharp for Test Day? Check out our upcoming GMAT course schedule and flexible prep options.

The post How to Stay Sharp over the Summer appeared first on Business School Insider.