As the first month of summer comes to an end, we all need to realize how time flies when you're having fun, especially when there are no college tests or papers due to ruin it. You can relax and not have the threat of school work looming over your head. But, are you really making the most out of your summer? Or are you just binge watching every show on Netflix you can get your hands on? Although we have a lot of time left, the summer flies by in the blink of an eye. You must try to make something of it before it's gone. These are some ways you can amp up your summer to help you enjoy it before it's gone.

1. Go outside

This one may sound stupid or too simple, but how many of us will just sleep the day away or stay inside due to laziness? This happens when we have free time and want to relax from our hectic lives. Although this is great and should be done every once in a while, it shouldn't be a habit during the summer, since there the summer has so much to offer. You don't have to spend the whole day inside watching TV or playing video games. Even simply feeling the sunshine or the warmth of the sun makes all the difference. Of course, it would make the day better if you actually did something while in the sun. Maybe you can do the activities you would do inside and modify them for outside, if possible. Even easy things like read a book, eat a summer treat, listen to music. Or, let the outside inspire you to do something fun and unique.

2. Be creative with your time

This one is different to everyone. Maybe some of us have the skills of Picasso and can paint a masterpiece in our free time. But, most of us draw like a second grader and need to find other fun ways to spend our time. The idea is to do something new or fun with your time that you can’t do during the rest of the year. How many times did you wish you could've read a certain book, made a certain craft, bake something you saw online, or go to some cool place you heard about when you were busy with work or school? This is the time to do it. Instead of watching the 10th episode of "Orange Is The New Black" in a row, take some time to try baking something cool you saw online. Maybe try to learn a new skill that you can later show off on Instagram.

3. Remember your friends

You are finally home for the summer and yes, you have the freedom to do whatever you want. But this could also be the time to catch up with old friends. Maybe it's the ones who went to different schools far away or it's the ones you left home when you went away. It can be ones you haven't seen in a long time, since high school or ones you have lost touch with. Whatever the case, use your summer to spend time with them. Use your time to reconnect and hopefully rekindle some great friendships. Have some friends visit you from far away to show them your town or vice versa. Maybe go visit one of your friends far away and get to see something new. You have time, so plan something and make it happen. It will always make for great Instagram pictures later. There are so many fun activities to do in the summer and everything is better when you have someone to do it with.

4. Make a trip

Let me clarify. When I say a "trip" it doesn't mean you have to go around the world and visit places like Spain or China. The point is to just take a trip, any kind of trip, big or small. This depends on a lot of things: if you're working, how much free time you have, and how much money you have saved up. But a trip can be anything from a week in Florida to a day trip at Adventure Land. Just going somewhere, anywhere, is the idea, and it doesn't have to be for long either. You don't have to spend three weeks in Greece to have a fun time, although that is amazing too. You can spend a weekend at a lake or a mini day trip to the beach. As long as you're seeing something different than your same street and home, it's an adventure. Being with your friends, family, or even yourself in a new environment can really be an exhilarating experience. It will also make amazing memories. So go explore. Hike a mountain, swim in the ocean, plan a road trip. Put yourself somewhere new and relish the experience.

5. Enjoy the little things

Don't take the summer for granted; try to enjoy the warmth, freedom and joy of the season while it lasts. Don't just complain about how hot it is, about the number of bugs, or your sunburn. Summer is a short season and will soon be over before you know it. You might find yourself missing the warmth when winter comes. So, enjoy the flowers, the pool and the sun; it won't be here forever. Time is constantly moving at a speed we can't control. Be happy you have time to sleep in or hang with friends that you couldn't normally because of work or school. Make the best memories you can while it lasts. Instead of complaining about every little thing, find a way to make a positive and go from there. Do the little things that make you happy. It's your summer, so make it good for you and when something works out, enjoy that victory. Maybe it's going to a concert, enjoying the fireworks or even eating a Twinkie. Whatever it is, give yourself a moment to appreciate it while it lasts.

Of course, these are just opinions. Your summer is yours. So make it fun for you in whatever way that may be. As long as you enjoy it, it doesn't really matter what you're doing. Use these as reminders or suggestions to make it the best it can be. Time is precious and always moving and changing. So, while you have the warm sun and the beautiful weather, make the most of it. I know I will.