Summer is in the air. The long-awaited months free of responsibility, spent at home or relaxing on a beach somewhere, approach and the productivity levels decrease. However, the older you get, the less a summer means a long period of nothing but sun, sand, and sunscreen. You may spend the summer at school working an internship, or you may come home and have to work a crummy job to make some money for the next year. Your friends from home could be studying abroad, and your friends from school are miles away to begin with. While the summers of your future may have less time for non-stop adventure, there are still ways to have an enjoyable summer.

1. Wake up early

You have always wanted to be a productive, healthy person who rises early. With three months ahead of you to find a schedule and stick to it, waking up early has never been easier. There is so much to do early in the morning, and you can work out, run errands and still have time for a nice brunch. You'll feel like you're finally doing something right. And if your job involves you to wake up early, you're prepared for whatever the day throws at you.

2. Hike and Bike

Planning a trip to the beach or a weekend to camp can be costly and time-consuming. With a busy summer schedule, find time to take a quick hike or a bike ride with some friends (or your family). These low commitment activities are cheap and simple, but still provide a nice way to get some R&R. Find a nature preserve near your house, or a cool trail downtown to get some physical activity and fresh air. Just spending a little time outside to chat with the people you care about can be beneficial.

3. See your friends

Another part of growing up is growing apart. This means possibly losing touch with your friends from home. Summer is a great time to make up for the semesters spent away from each other. Try and find a weekly or monthly event to reunite with all your childhood BFFs. In addition, try and plan a road trip or a reunion with your college friends, since you won't be seeing them for a couple months either. Finding time for the people who matter most can make summers a little easier whether you start new adventures or reminisce about the old ones.

4. Get a job

Let's face it. The years of laying in bed all summer are behind you. You need to realize that having a steady job is going to be part of your life from now on. Find an internship or a job that you'll enjoy, or at least one that fits your schedule and can teach you something. Your future college self will thank you for putting some extra cash in her pocket, as well as some extra experience on her resume.

5. Enjoy yourself

Summer should not be all work and no play. In addition to spending time with family and friends, try planning a few fun events to look forward to. Attend a food festival in a nearby town, or plan to splurge on concert tickets for your favorite musician. While a summer of working and preparing for the next school year can drudge on, you can add some spice to your life with little things to have fun with.

6. Read a book

Summer means getting things done, especially things that you have been putting off. Try to gather up a good list of books to read and work on that for the summer. Instead of being forced to read a chemistry textbook, absorb yourself in romance or adventure. Summer means freedom and you have that liberty to enjoy whatever you want, and reading is a great way to keep your mind sharp and have fun while doing it.

7. Go for a drive

A simple way to relax and de-stress is a quick road trip. Bring your friends or your music or both, and take a drive to a far away location. Just separating yourself from home for a second can be relaxing and freeing. It doesn't have to involve the interstate, or a weekend getaway, it could just be a 30 minute drive to the area's best ice cream shop or a secret beach your cousin told you about. The open road and some good music can pave the way for a simple memory or a fantastic sing-a-long.

8. Say goodbye to distractions

The summer is what you make of it. So while sleeping in may sound ideal, try going for a run at the park nearby or meeting up with friends for brunch. Summers aren't just sleeping all day and running around all night anymore. This doesn't mean that there is no fun to be had. Instead of squandering the time when you have no place to be; do the things you've always wanted to do. Soon you'll be waving goodbye to summer and there will be even more to do. So enjoy this time to the best of your ability.