Summer is the best time of year, especially being from Chicago. Where I’m from, we get about three or four months of quality weather, and then it’s a downright winter storm nearly every other day.
Time is of the essence for many of us. We’re out of school, we get vacation time, and the weather is finally nice. Summer is the time we fantasize about for 75% of the rest of the year.
Today, I will provide you ten things you can do this summer to stay occupied and take full advantage.
1. Go for walks and bike rides at local forest preserves or lakes.
Many of us don’t appreciate nature enough. We enjoy it from our bedroom windows in the comfort of our homes because it’s “too hot” outside.
Walks and bike rides are free and totally worth it.
2. Buy tickets to a concert, music festival, or city event.
Chicago has a lot of events like Lollapalooza, The Taste of Chicago, and many other events. I take full advantage of as many of these as possible because it’s good to get outside and put my paychecks towards experiences.
It’s a bit costly, depending on your budget, but this is the best time to splurge.
3. Do some home improvement projects and add some decorations around your home.
For much of the year, we’re swamped with work, kids, school, and life in general. Summertime is the best time of year to put in the work we’ve needed to do for so long.
You’ll feel accomplished taking care of chores that you’ve been putting off.
4. Focus on your fitness and work out more often.
Summer is the best time to hit the gym, go for runs, bike rides, and get outside. Gone are the excuses that the weather is bad. Most of us get more time off work, school, and sports, so this is the best time to go.
Your body will appreciate the extra attention it gets, and you’ll be in a generally happier mood.
5. Gardening and growing your own fruits and vegetables.
Anyone with a green thumb knows that summer is a great time to garden. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is rewarding because you become one with the Earth and produce your own batches of food.
Being grounded and immersed in nature, dirt, soil, and food is good for our well-being and goes a long way for our physical and mental health.
6. Swimming in lakes, pools, and anywhere else we can think of.
When we think of summer, we think of going to the beach, the pool, the lake, riding on a boat, and so much more. It’s finally the time of year to do exactly that.
If you’re not dipping your body into water and summer’s gone, you’ll feel filled with a bit of regret because the weather might do a complete 180 on you, and by then, it’s too late.
7. Attend sporting events for your local city or town.
The summertime is great for baseball games, football pre-season games, and so much more. Enjoy a nice day outside with some sporting events because it’s fairly priced and worth the experience.
If you like the outdoors and want to be entertained, sporting events are a great way to spend your time.
Final Thought
It’s that time of year. The time we fantasize, reminisce, and dream about.
Don’t let it pass you by again, and watch everyone else live it to the fullest while you stay inside making excuses.
Time is of the essence, and we get older, slower, and wrinklier every year. Soon, our summers will be spent looking back at all the things we didn’t do if we stay stagnant.
Make the most of your summer and create memories you’ll be proud to share.