Picture this: you've just completed your last second semester final which officially marks the beginning of summer vacation. You're feeling good -- the weather is beautiful, you don't have any work to worry about for three whole months and you're looking forward to eating yourself into a food coma with Mom's homemade dinners. You want this summer to be epic, but you have no clue how to make it so memorable. Rest assured! Here is a list of ten awesome things that you can do to ensure that this summer will be just as wonderful as you picture it to be in your head!
1. Get outside.
Hiking, kayaking, camping, swimming, the list of fun things to do outside when the weather is warm is endless! Make it your goal this summer to spend more time exploring outdoors than sitting inside on your computer or TV. There is so much out there to experience, so get outside!
2. Take a road trip to visit college friends.
Spending three months apart from your besties can be tough, especially when you're spread out across the country and the only form of contact with them is a quick text message or a "like" on Instagram. While it's important to catch up with your girlfriends from home, set aside a week when you can spend some quality time with the people you've met at school.
3. Cook dinner at home instead of going out to a restaurant.
It seems as if you and your best friends are always making plans to go out to dinner but never think twice about staying in for a meal. This summer, plan a night to head to the grocery store, pick up the ingredients for your favorite meal and spend some time getting creative in the kitchen!
4. Have a family game night.
One of the best things about being home for the summer is that you get to spend some quality time with your family. Although it may be frustrating to be under your parent's watchful eye once again, time spent with them is an important way of expressing your gratitude for all that they do for you (like pay for your college tuition). So pull out the Monopoly board that's been hiding in the closet, pop the popcorn, and get competitive!
5. Try something that scares you.
This summer, do something outside of your comfort zone and see where it takes you. If you're afraid of scary movies, try watching one surrounded by friends with the lights completely on. If you're nervous to try a new food, to apply for that job or internship, or to ask that cute boy you've been eyeing on a date, take a deep breath and just go for it. You may surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish when you commit to not letting your fears dictate your behavior.
6. Get crafty.
Saw a cute pair of acid-washed shorts in a store window? Make them yourself! Want to redecorate a wall in your bedroom? Search through Pinterest for homemade craft ideas. The possibilities are endless!
7. Host a backyard campout.
Equipped with a campfire, ghost stories, s'mores and all -- invite your closest friends over, pitch a tent, and get your camping on!
8. Start a workout routine.
One of the best ways to relieve stress, to gain confidence, and to make you feel good overall is to work out. Every day, try to walk, bike swim or run -- anything that will get you up and moving. If you make a routine or a schedule for yourself, the task becomes less tedious and more enjoyable. So strap on those running sneakers, and get ready for the beach bod of a lifetime.
9. Pamper yourself.
You work so hard for eight months of the year, you deserve to treat yourself to something extravagant. For some, that's getting a professional massage. For others, it would be splurging on that cute military jacket you've been eyeing at the mall. Whatever it is, let yourself be pampered for a day and do whatever makes you happiest.
10. Complete one random act of kindness.
The more you do for others, the better you'll feel about yourself. If you want to truly make this summer awesome, commit to making someone else's a little brighter, as well. Even if you just hold the door open for a stranger, that action goes a long way in their eyes. Remember, the simplest things can mean the most, and may spark a chain of positivity and kindness which will continue on, long after you first held that door open for the person behind you.
