Coming from a person who loves the warmth of the summer rays and hates the bitter, harsh cold the winter brings, I may be a little biased. The summer season creates an opportune atmosphere for the creation of new memories, refreshing friendships and intriguing self-discovery. Getting outside is one of the best daily practices to boost happiness levels and share a new experience with a friend or your best pooch pal. Winter outings can be fun, but you cannot simply roll out of bed and throw on a tee, some shorts, get out the door and start the day. Summer allows spontaneity; last-minute plans when time getting ready has been minimized.

1. Reaching new heights.

Warmer weather makes reaching new, higher altitudes an easier goal to accomplish. Trekking up 4,000-foot mountains with a mixture of freezing rain and snow repeatedly hitting you in the face would not be a pleasant experience. The solitude of hiking alone can bring out a new sense of inner-tranquility and harmony with the world around you. Hiking with a friend can create a tighter bond, random bursts of laughter and heart-felt discussions. Being out in the evergreen world brings you back to your childlike roots of simplicity and humble thoughts. The hustle and bustle of the modernized world will not be over your shoulder shouting in your ears. Only the occasional bird will be there to sing to you.

2. Picnicking.

Thrifty college student life equals little to no fancy dinners on date night. Picnics are a great way to save some money while also expressing a little creativity. Maybe you will finally get to try that recipe you bookmarked several months ago. My boyfriend and I love to go on weekly Sunday picnics to wind down the week in a peaceful way. Usually we both gather a couple of things and it becomes a tiny outdoor potluck for the two of us. Grab some friends and plan an outdoor feast together. For any foodie, this is a great way to sample a bunch of different yummy foods.

3. Freshly cut flowers.

During the summer, flower bouquets are one of the most beautiful touches to a home. Flowers bring me an extra bit of happiness when I see them sitting so gorgeously on my night stand. This is the season that everything blooms, and the natural romantic can tuck a flower behind their girl’s ear or show up on a doorstep with a hand-picked bouquet. There is something special and unique about locally grown flowers and putting together bouquets yourself rather than buying them from the supermarket.

4. Sandy toes.

It has been said that if one lives near the beach, you will never have to go get a pedicure again. Natural exfoliation! There is nothing quite like the warmth of hot sand on your feet and in between your toes. Walking along the beach you can find little shells, weathered sea glass and hear the ocean waves crashing in your ears.

5. Sunsets and warm nights shared with friends.

These will be the nights that you will remember for the rest of your life. It begins with watching the sun lower beyond the horizon and the twinkling of stars revealed one by one as the sky begins to slowly darken until the only source of light is a glowing fire. With sticky hands, you can roast your eighth marshmallow and break off another hunk of Hershey’s chocolate and mush them together between two pieces of graham cracker goodness.

6. Days spent out on the salty sea.

Sailing is an entirely intricate art form. Becoming in sync with the patterns of the wind and catching the sails just right is only mastered with practice and a little patience. But once you fill the sails just right, you begin to fly on the water quietly, and it’s a calming and exciting experience all at once.

7. Channeling your inner surfer dude/dudette.

Surfing USA! If you happen to have the luxury of living close to the beach, see if there are any local surf shops that offer lessons to beginners. This is another great way to get out on the water. Practice makes perfect, but the waves can be rough. Whatever you do, don’t let the board wack you in the face.

8. Fresh local fruit

Summer offers an abundance of delicious, naturally grown food sources that are amazingly good for your health. Begin a sleepy Saturday morning with a farmers’ market endeavor. You would be amazed to discover the homegrown treasures you can find.

9. Rejuvenation.

Summer is the season of relaxation, down time and peace. For students, during the winter, the school year is in full swing, and it can be a hectic time. Summer allows you the time to catch your breath and gather yourself. Without this time, we could not fully re-engage for the busier times of our lives. Give yourself this time to do whatever you need to refresh and rejuvenate. Do what makes you happy!