As of March 7th, there will only be 106 days until it is officially Summer 2016.
But is it right to say there will only be 106 days until summer 2016? In saying so, we make it sound as though 108 days isn't so long and the wait we face is nothing. But for many people who consider summertime to be their favorite time of the year, 108 days can feel like an eternity. Sure the weather will start to warm up little by little each day as we make our way into the spring but it's still not that hot sun on the back of your neck feeling we all currently crave so badly. So here is a list composed of different ways to beat the winter blues and trick your mind (and in some cases body) into thinking it's summertime.
1. Light a candle
Sit back, relax and light a candle that’s scent reminds you of summertime. Whether it be a scented candle that is reminiscent of the beach like Yankee Candle’s Catching Rays or the crowd pleasing Watermelon Lemonade from Bath and Body Works, one can find just about any scent that relates to those summer vibes.
2. Listen to music
Have you ever listened to a song and everything about it reminded you of summer? Whether the lyrics transported you under the boardwalk or the hypnotic beat made you feel like you were sailing across the Caribbean, I’m sure we all have.
So head over to your music player of choice, create yourself a playlist of songs young and old that remind you of the best time of the year and enjoy. Some of my favorite classic summer hits include but are not limited to "Under the Boardwalk" by The Drifters, "Standing on the Sun" by Beyoncé, "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock, "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers, "Ocean Avenue" by Yellowcard and "Pon De Replay" by Rihanna.
3. Play with Kinetic Sand
Kinestic Sand is an incredibly fun version of sand that “has special properties that make it soft and stretchy.” It can be used simply for recreational use, for stress relief or to create shapes and messages. And whether or not you build something big or build something small, the possibilities are endless. It’s suitable for anyone of any age, comes in original and 4 other vibrant colors and the sand is essentially mess free as it's designed to "stick to itself and not to you.”
4. Get a Sound Machine
Ever wish you could fall asleep to the sound of a calm summer night without the added humidity? Or wish you could read to the sounds of waves crashing on the beach? With the HoMedics® SoundSpa® Sound Machine, now you can. Built to block out unwanted noises the sound machine features 6 natural sounds for you to choose from: Ocean, Summer Night, Rain, White Noise, Thunder and Brook. This sound machine is perfect to create your own summer sounds, even if only for a short period of time.
5. Take a bubble bath
Did you know that bubble baths have scientifically been proven to help stabilize your mood? So if you’re irritable about the harsh winter weather start a bath for yourself. Play some music, add some essential oils, grab a book but most importantly – relax. Soak in the warm water imagining yourself laying in the sea on a hot July day and all your worries will soon fade away. Add the Big Blue bath bomb from LUSH to help clear your mind and transport yourself to an island getaway.
6. Plan a trip to the beach
Who says the you can only go the beach during the summer? If you’re lucky enough to live in close proximity to a beach, plan a trip to watch the sunrise, take a walk, eat a meal or watch the sunset. But be warned: it will be cold! So search for a beach near you where you would be able to park your car nearby and enjoy all of the sites around you. Have you ever noticed sunsets are far more stunning in the winter than they are in the summer?
7. Attend a light therapy session
Light therapy is an effective way to treat SAD, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, by exposing oneself to artificial light. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that occurs at a specific time each year, most commonly during the winter. When attending a light therapy session, you sit near a device that mimics natural light and the therapy targets the chemicals in the brain that are linked to mood which eases the depressing feelings we get during the wintertime. Many people are unfamiliar with this form of therapy so go ahead, be the first of your friends to try it out and make it the next “in” thing.
8. Take a vacation
If your case of the winter blues is at an all-time high, then go ahead and treat yourself – take a vacation. Book a trip somewhere you’ve never been before, somewhere warm where the only worry you will have is wondering when your next Pina Colada will be ready. Escape the harsh winter cold and embrace the enticing tropical heat on a vacation that will allow you to create cherished memories while escaping the frigid weather (at least until you have to go home but let’s not worry about that for right now).
