The weather is getting warmer, exams are almost over and there should only be three words on your mind; Hot. Girl. Summer. Of course, this might be easier said than done and you may require an actionable list to get the good times rolling. Well, that’s where we come in. So, stay tuned because here’s your Hot Girl Summer checklist for 2022.
What does a Hot Girl Summer mean?
The phrase, coined in a song by rapper Megan Thee Stallion, has become a symbol for single (and not single) girls across the world, aiming to embrace themselves and have fun in the warmer months.’ In fact, according to Urban Dictionary, it’s about having ‘a summer where you are in charge of your own happiness, without crying over any man.’
Forget your ex
Firstly, we’ll start with the most important rule of a Hot Girl Summer and that’s this: no toxic ex’s allowed. This summer is the time to banish all thoughts of your ex or that guy that ghosted you three years ago. Instead, it’s time to focus on yourself and your friends. Think about it; you have an entire summer to do whatever you want. There’s no need to turn down plans with the girls because your boyfriend wants you to come to the pub. Nor do you have to spend half of your night hanging in the smoker’s area with his mates. It’s your summer and it’s your time to do what you want, when you want and however you want to do it.
Prioritise self-care
Whether it’s after the stress of exams or a busy period at work, Hot Girl summer means that you have the time to prioritise self-care. Make sure to get plenty of rest, soak up the sun and have a self-care Sunday once in a while (or every evening if you feel like it.) Stock up on plenty of books, download some good podcasts and check out your local wild swimming spots or local walks. After all, self-care is more than hitting the gym and buying yourself some new clothes (but you can also do that if you want to.)
Head off on a girl’s holiday
With covid restrictions pretty much a thing of the past this year, there’s never been a better time to head off on a girl’s holiday. Whatever your budget and criteria, there are plenty of options from clubbing holidays to city breaks.
Say goodbye to toxicity
Having a hot girl summer doesn’t just involve saying goodbye to toxic men. It involves cleansing all parts of your life, from toxic friends, habits or maybe even a toxic job. It’s time to reassess and reevaluate what’s making you happy and what’s not.
Plan your future
The summer months offer plenty of time and inspiration to start visualizing what you want your future to look like. While we’re not suggesting that you write a bullet point action plan of your life from post-uni to retirement (because the real world is far too unpredictable for that), your Hot Girl Summer is the ideal time to start establishing some of your non-negotiables. With some clear goals in mind, you’re much more likely to get the ball rolling in order to pursue that dream of say, having a high-flying career in London or living abroad.
Log off
Likewise, it’s important to take some time to log off and get into nature this summer (apart from reading these articles of course.) As much as you can, try to put your phone away and spend time with your loved one IRL instead. Reading a book, journaling or heading off on an adventure will do wonders for your mental health, particularly if you are starting at a screen day to day for work or uni.
Focus on body positivity
While, for a lot of people, having a hot girl summer is all about getting the perfect body, it’s important to make sure that you are exercising for the right reasons. Get your sweat on and focus on cooking nutritious food this summer, but only because it makes you feel good. Don’t be a slave to the scales, nor try fad diets or attempt to be someone that you’re not. As long as you feel good; that’s all that counts.
Have a hook-up (if it’s for the right reasons)
Lastly, having a hot girl summer doesn’t mean that you have to book a one-way ticket to the convent. If you want to have a hook-up (or numerous hookups this summer) then go ahead. Date and flirt to your heart’s content, as long as it’s for the right reasons. Remember that you should never look to a partner (or anyone else for that matter) for validation or as a distraction to keep you from being bored. So, before you start updating your Hinge profile, you might want to think about the reasons that you are on there in the first place. You can check out the best dating apps for hookups here.
So, now you have your Hot Girl Summer checklist, it’s time to get out there and have some fun! What’s on your bucket list for the warmer months? Share your thoughts in the comments. Here’s a Hot Girl Summer meme to get you started.
@aracelisegurav Hot Girl Summer Rules Part I
