Ah, sweet summertime. The snow has ceased, the cold has lifted and warm weather has brought even the palest of skinned out of winter hibernation. Adventure awaits after every sunrise, and memories are yearning to be made. Summer is supposed to be the time of fun in the sun and escape from the dreadful boredom that winter brings. However, there is one problem: as glorious as summer is, boredom can still strike even the best of us.
I am sure I’m not the only one who has fallen victim to spending an entire afternoon wracking my brain for something to do, wishing for the fall where my days are filled with school and friends (wow, I never thought I would say that). If you can relate to this, don’t feel ashamed. Just because we have these dreams of a summer we will never forget does not mean it will happen on a whim. Sometimes you must be intentional about creating good times, but sometimes this is easier said than done. These following five ideas are simple, cheap and fun ideas for you to combat those pesky summer blues:
1. Go on a hike or nature walk.
This warm weather will not last forever. Soon, fall will creep its way into the air, and being outside may not be as appealing as it once was. Because of this, take the opportunity to be outdoors while it is still here. Go on a hike. Find a new trail. Experience nature. It will make your heart happy and body healthy.
2. Plant a flower.
There is nothing more satisfying than watching something that you planted with your own two hands grow and become beautiful. Whether you start from a seed, potted plant or even create a garden, the results are immensely rewarding because it was you who put in the work and you who will reap the rewards.
3. Adventure in a new place.
Many times it is simply too easy to become comfortable with where we are, and never venture outside that comfort to see what else this world holds. Take that leap of faith and go somewhere that you have never been before. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to get on a plane and fly to Fiji or someplace like that. You’re truly lucky if you have the means to do that. This could simply mean taking a drive to the small town next to yours and meeting the people, seeing the town and spending time looking into what they have to offer. New can certainly be scary, but weren’t our favorite things all new at one point?
4. Attend a musical performance.
If your town is anything like mine, summer concerts are extremely common. Whether it is a major band or an unknown name in a small venue, music is music. There is no better way to spend a Thursday night in my small hometown than sitting on the grass with my fellow community members by our local lake and listening to music fill the evening air.
5. Learn something new.
If you’re sitting there pondering whether or not this statement is too vague, you are correct. The vagueness is key, though. Not all who take the time to read this will have the same passions or goals. That being said, whatever the thing is that you have always wanted to learn to do or become better at, conquer it this summer. There is no better time than the present to set a goal and truly go after it. For example, my personal skill I am pursuing during my summer months is the ability to cook. Growing up and living on your own is so much harder when all you know how to make is ramen and microwave meals. If I, the girl who can barely boil water, can learn to cook, then you, too, can attain your goal.
The list of possibilities does not end here. These five things are just a few plucked from the endless number opportunities that the summer months can provide. If you take anything from this article, let it be this: don’t waste your summer waiting for fun and adventure to find you. Be intentional about creating memories and good times. Don’t be afraid of what you haven’t tried. Enjoy these few short months, and take them for all they are worth.
