Beach Bonding with Yourself

By Jess

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: summer ain’t over until the school bell rings.

Before you dive headfirst into college orientation, that sophomore year daze-fest, junior year 300-level-class hell, and senior year craziness, do yourself a favor and recharge, reenergize, and take some time for yourself.

A perfect way to spend some lovely “me” time is to venture out to the beach by your lonesome.

A lot of people see the beach as a purely social thing, but I’ve trekked out there by myself a few times, and I have to say that it’s some of the most satisfying relaxation I’ve ever had. Just because some girls spend all their sun and sand time worrying about what those guys on the other blanket think, or screaming over a radio blasting Beyonce on continuous repeat, doesn’t mean you can’t find solace in the same exact place.

Here are a few tips to help you go beach-zen.

• Arrive in the early afternoon. Most people get to the beach in the morning, and often leave by the time it’s 3 or 4 o’clock. If you arrive around 12 or 1, you’re less likely to be surrounded by families with screaming kids and wayward beach volleyballs.

• Keep it light. Since it’s just going to be you, there’s no need for a giant bag bursting with stuff. Take only the essentials; some sun block, a book, some cash, a towel, water, and car keys.

• No valuables! You may want to go swimming, so bringing anything steal-worthy is not the best idea. If you really want to take a dip, but still want to keep that $20 bill and those car keys safe, consider putting them in a waterproof bag and bringing it with you, or buying one of these. If you’re not shy, asking the person sitting next to you to watch your stuff for a bit is fine too—just make sure to stay away from shifty-eyed individuals.

• Water and fruit. Staying on the beach for a while means possible dehydration, so make sure you pack yourself a big bottle of water and some fruit to keep your blood sugar up. Freezing the bottled water overnight will keep it colder longer.

• Keep it cool. Bringing a small lunchbox that’s designed to keep things cool is a great place to store your cell phone and other things you’d like to keep from melting. Plus, the fabric boxes (the ones you had in junior high that embarrassed the crap out of you?) are easily squishable and big space savers.

• Don’t worry. Don’t let the fact that you’re a single gal on a beach full of groups deter you. You don’t know them, they don’t know you…there’s really no reason to feel awkward. Besides, guys are way more likely to come up and talk to you if you’re alone than if you’re surrounded by a bunch of your bff’s.

And most of all, have fun just being by yourself. The more comfortable you are inside your own skin, the better off you’ll be. Especially when it comes time to meet all those new faces in the fall.