Remember when we were kids and summer was a freeing time full of playing, exploring, adventuring, imagining, and creating? Now, as teenagers and college students, summer can feel more and more like an excess of time that you don't know what to do with. But, for how much longer in your life will you be able to do whatever you want for weeks on end? Don't spend your summer surfing social media or binge-watching Netflix -- spend it outside, in real life, doing and creating something that matters. Here are 16 things to do that will keep you from reaching for your phone, your computer, and your remote, thus summer.
1. Go on a bike ride
It's a good way to adventure or just get to and fro while still being outdoors. Plus, I don't know why but you feel like a G.
2. Start an art project
Learn to knit, start a drawing, make a sculpture, paint, collage. Make it a gift for someone or a decoration for your room. Look up cool wall prints or DIY projects and find a way to recreate them. Even if you don't deem yourself the ~crafty~ type or it turns out horribly, this can still be a fun pastime.
3. Read that book you always say you’ll read one day
Or that *stack of books,* rather. Some of the ones on my list are:
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
- Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich
- Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
- What Happened by Hillary Clinton
4. Curate a playlist
Make one for every vibe. Spend hours finding and listening to new artists and compile the best of their sounds, that way you’re guaranteed to always be on aux.
5. Train for a marathon
Or a 5k. Oh, c'mon, at least just run a mile.
6. Explore someplace new
I’ve lived in the same place for 19 years and I still haven’t seen all of it. Look up new restaurants, exhibits, and developments in your area and go get acquainted. Or, just step outside, start walking and see where you end up -- when you approach familiar territory, turn in the opposite direction. I promise you don't even know what you've been missing.
7. Cook something
Do some meal prep for the week by cooking bulk amounts of vegetables and grains, that way you always have something in the fridge to reach for when you're hungry. Or bake something ambitious, like a layer cake or something random from a Tasty video. Working on that #summerbod should mean making your insides feel good, too -- right?
8. Clean your room
Doesn't sound too fun, but it actually can be a fun trip down memory lane. Go through all your shelves and drawers, clean out your desk and your closet. Donate what you don't want, recycle or trash what no one would want, and devote a space for all those accumulated letters, nic-nacs, and memories that you just can't say goodbye to just yet.
9. Volunteer
No matter where you are, there are a number of ways you can help your local community. Seek them out.
10. Spend time with your parents
They’ve missed you! The next time you're inclined to shut yourself in your room, go see what your parents are up to. Vent, ask questions, or find something for all of you to do; it's pretty much their lifelong job to be your friend (or at least pretend to) -- don't let that resource go ignored.
11. Go on a weekend or day trip
Go camping (with friends or solo!), hike a trail, find a lake, pool, or swimming hole. Drive to the mountains, drive to the coast. Visit a friend or relative. These things don't need to be extensive or expensive. Fill up the car, pack a picnic, and find someplace nice.
12. Learn to play an instrument
Thanks to the internet, learning how to do just about anything is no longer that difficult. Google some tutorials and give it a go. If you don't have an instrument on hand, look up ways to rent or buy used ones. Everyone loves a self-made aficionado.
13. Sit outside
Bask in the beauty that is the outdoors. And get tan, while you're at it. Post up in your backyard or a park and suck up some Vitamin D.
14. Research a point of interest
Just because classes are over doesn't mean you have to stop learning! Maybe I'm a nerd but it's always good to be informed, if not for the sake of awareness, because knowledge breeds passion. Think about a cause, subject, or event that sparks your interest and become an expert on it. Read scholarly journals, watch documentaries, and, if your passion grows strong, find a way to make an impact -- or just nag your friends and family with all that you know.
15. Plant something
Flowers, herbs, fruits, or veggies. And then feel rewarded knowing that you’ve chosen to cultivate life on this planet instead of show it harm <3
16. Set goals, write a poem, journal
With how much time we all spend online, I fear we rarely allow ourselves the opportunity to listen to our own thoughts. How am I feeling? Am I happy? What do I want and how can I achieve that? These are the important questions we need to continually ask ourselves in order to stay humbled, grateful, and sane.
