Some people like the winter season. Others find it bearable. I don’t fall into either of those categories. I can live without snowboarding or skiing.
I can live without hot chocolate, without all those layers, without the holiday season and without whatever else you would usually associate winter with. I don’t like winter. Most people don’t.
They may enjoy it for the first few weeks, maybe even a month, but after that you’re basically waiting for spring to come around. Spring is a great season… but really only once it starts to feel a bit more like summer.
Early spring is still chilly, rainy and ugly. However, once it starts to get warmer outside and the sun starts to really shine, I’m the happiest person in the world. Summertime is the best time – hands down. Growing up, we couldn’t wait for school to end and summer to begin.
We loved summer because we had off from school and could live our little lives any way we saw fit. These days – all grown up or mid-process – we have work. We have internships. We have summer courses.
Summer is meant to be enjoyed. If you don’t enjoy summer while it’s around, then you’re really doing yourself an injustice.
Find some time to enjoy your summer because those memories you create are likely to keep you going for the rest of the year. Here are a few things you may want to consider penciling in:
1. Go for a run. Or bike ride.
Obviously, depending on where you live, you may be getting more summer than you hoped for. Sorry Florida, but we don’t feel bad for you.
If you live in a slightly less intense climate, going for a run or bike ride in the summer is as good as it gets. I suggest running/biking at dusk somewhere near the water. It’s bright enough for you to still see and you’ll get a nice breeze going your way.
2. Go to beach and go often.
I for one always tell myself that I’ll make a trip out to the beach every week… Last year I didn’t go once. I know you know that going to the beach in the summer is a good idea, but you actually have to do it.
It’s one thing to promise yourself like I have and it’s another to actually force yourself to go. You’ll be thankful you did.
3. Go camping.
Sleeping overnight on the beach, I do consider camping. The forest works as well. The point is to spend as much time outdoors as you possibly can. Bring your mosquito repellent and spend a night on the ground.
Or in a sleeping bag on the ground. Just get out of your apartment and out of your comfort zone for a change. The summer allows for as much comfort as camping allows for.
4. Spend some time on a lake.
Rent a boat, some water skis or a tube and let it rip. Bring a 6-pack, some snacks and dive off the boat. If you’re into fishing then do some fishing.
The lake is an incredibly relaxing environment. The water is still. The air is fresh and quiet. It’ll remind you how humans are supposed to live.
5. Spend time with a lover outside. On the beach. In the forest. Down the block – wherever.
This could mean doing whatever, if you catch our drift. Everyone should enjoy the outdoors in the summer. Why? Because you can. Don’t be shy.
6. Have a massive barbecue.
Invite your family and friends. Invite your neighbors. Invite lots and lots of women (optional). If you don’t have a grill then buy one of those small and cheap ones.
Sure, it may take a while to cook dinner, but beer is best served cold. Barbecues are really just excuses to get together and drink during the day – let’s be honest.
7. Swim like your life depends on.
Swimming is incredibly good for your body and really, really fun. Don’t waste your time in one of those boring indoor pools.
In the summer, it’s all about being outdoors. If you have a pool, use it. If you don’t, then find one. Throw a party. Or find a rooftop in a city near you that has a pool – there are bound to be a few.
8. Hiking is a great way to spend some time with the most important person you know: you.
Get away from others and spend some time clearing your head in the mountains. Hiking is a great combination of exercise and meditation. But don’t be stupid and make sure to bring either your phone or some sort of GPS. You can get easily lost – believe me.
9. Read outside.
Grab a good book and find a park near you. Or a coffee shop. You’ll get some air, get some sun and possibly meet someone interesting while you’re at it.
People find people who read more attractive (maybe that’s just me…). Either way, it’s an easy way for someone interesting to segue into a conversation.
10. People watching.
Summertime is by far the best time to people watch. Why? Because everyone is half naked. I’m always amazed by how many beautiful women there are in NY.
They’re nowhere to be seen in the winter, but as soon as the clothes come off, all the pretty people look so much hotter. Unfortunately, this works the other way for those not so pleasant looking people. But hey, it’s worth it.
11. Last, but not least is my favorite thing to do in the summer: star gazing.
I’m afraid this will require you to leave whatever city you are in and find an area with less light pollution. Of course, you can star gaze all year round – but like I mention before, I hate the cold.
You wouldn’t catch me dead on a blanket outdoors looking into the night sky in February. But in July or August, nothing makes me happier. Take a moment to slow down, lie down and remind yourself how small you really are.
Photo Courtesy: We Heart It
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