After the stressful demands of school, it's easy to forget that summer has a lot to offer aside from not being in class. Here are seven goals everyone should have this summer to make the most of the warm months.
1. Take a trip!
Whether you get all your friends together, pack up your family or take off on your own a trip should be on your to-do list. This trip can be anywhere you want to go to relax and see new places. The beach is always a go-to, or maybe a cross-country road trip or you could find yourself on an adventure to another country. Trips are meant to be fun, so enjoy yourself and take some "me time." It'll make your summer that much more enjoyable.
2. Get outside
Some of us have to work most days but summer is the nicest time of the year so get outside. Even if it's at lunch for 15 minutes or before work, being outside is so much better than the hibernation we do all winter. Try and plan at least one day a week when you can spend extended time outside. Joining a team is one way to dedicate outside time. Or get a dog and then you'll be consistently outside, taking them for walks. Whatever you do, don't let September come as you wish you didn't let all the good weather slip away.
3. Do something you've never done before
Have you ever flown a kite? Or have you been on a jet ski? How about paddle boarding? Have you ever hiked a mountain? Or maybe you need something a little less adventurous? Try going to that park you've never been to. Ask your coworkers or friends their favorite places to go and go yourself. Make summer 2016 memorable by doing something new. You may like it more than you think and find a new go-to activity. Do it with friends or do it with yourself; either way, you won't regret it.
4. Relax
I get it; you have a busy schedule and bills to pay and other obligations, but find some time to relax. Maybe on the next rainy day, snuggle up and watch movies. Or on a sunny day, grab a book and a blanket and head to a good reading spot. We are so worried about being on the go and busy that we often forget to do things for ourselves like get a little extra sleep or take a day off of work. Believe me, one day to relax can work wonders for your body.
5. Try new food
Who doesn't want a summer-ready body? I mean, I do, but hey, that drive-in place with tons of outside seating that looks good or those food carts that appear to be popping up everywhere require my attention. So do the ice cream places and trucks that are all open for the season. Go ahead let yourself have them, I'm not saying every day, but you might as well enjoy these seasonal foods that are being offered at least a little bit. Food is good.
6. Vacation
What time of year is better for vacation? Summer is when the office gets less full, more people want time off and people go places. Let yourself be one of them. Go ahead take the time off. You don't even have to go anywhere. Maybe the comfort of your own house on the days off is your cup a tea. Or maybe you want to head to the beach. Or hop on a plane and go somewhere. Vacations are fun and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Don't be afraid to take a vacation on your own, either. Many people say those vacations are the ones they enjoy the most.
7. Enjoy yourself
Happiness is key and life goes faster than you think. So take some time to enjoy yourself. See friends you maybe haven't seen or go somewhere. Whatever you do make sure you're having fun. The real world may be tough but you still need to make time for yourself and your happiness.
