As summer comes to an end, it’s easy to let dejection creep in. The sun is setting earlier, the temperature is dropping, and you know that fall is right around the corner—not to mention winter. That’s all the more reason to squeeze in every moment of sunlight, fun, and joy you can before it becomes time to hunker down. If you’ve already set off fireworks, hit up the ice cream stand, and returned from your summer getaway, you may feel like you’ve crossed everything off your to-do list. But there are still plenty of great ways to make memories that will keep you warm through the winter. Read on for Summer: 6 Ways to Enjoy the Rest of It!
1. Reject Back-to-School Blahs
As kids, the end of summer means the beginning of the dreaded school year. Whether you’re still in college or you’ve been working for decades, it’s easy to let the same seasonal ennui creep in. Enjoying the rest of summer is all about your mindset. Remind yourself to:
- Make the most of every day and weekend
- Say “yes” to each and every opportunity to get outside
- Look for the beauty even on stormy or cool days
The more gratitude you have for the present moment, the better the rest of summer will feel.
2. Head to the Beach
What’s summer without a trip to the beach? Ocean water tends to warm as summer progresses, so you may have an even better dip as summer wanes. It’s hard to spend all day at the beach if you aren’t properly equipped. Make your beach day one to remember by packing the following:
- Chairs
- Towels and blankets
- Fully stocked beach coolers
- Lunch and snacks
- Sunscreen
- An umbrella
- A change of clothes
- Noodles and inflatable pool toys
That way, you’ll be ready to camp out until the sun sets on the perfect beach day. If you’re not close to the ocean, you can still set up shop at your local swimming haunt. Alternately, invest in a chic kiddie pool for adults and splash around at home!
3. Do Yoga Outside
Have you ever done sun salutations underneath the actual sun? Doing yoga on a warm day can give you extra flexibility, helping you achieve beneficial stretches.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, yoga and climbing make for a perfect pairing. Get your arms and wrists ready for strain with gentle stretches, and unwind with restorative poses before you head home. An added bonus? You’ll feel grounded in nature as you lay in Savasana.
4. Go for a Bike Ride
As the morning and evenings cool down, you can take a bike ride and actually enjoy it. Whether you’re a seasoned biker or you’re just getting into cycling fitness, bike riding is a great way to:
- Build endurance
- Visit new natural wonders
- Get out of your usual routine and town
With so many biking routes throughout the country, it’s possible that the most gorgeous scenic waterfall or stunning vista is only a short bike ride away. Soak in its beauty.
5. Enjoy Seasonal Foods
Peaches. Tomatoes. Zucchini. There is no other bounty like that of late summer.
Grilling is the perfect way to enjoy the power of plants. Most seasonal vegetables (and more than one fruit) taste great simply coated in olive oil, salt, and pepper—and then placed on the grill. Buy a vegetable box or CSA box and enjoy the best veggies from local farms. Some of our favourite summer grillables include:
- Veggie burgers
- Corn and zucchini salad with chipotle
- Peaches and Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
- Eggplant with zaatar spice
But the sky’s the limit! If it grows on our planet Earth, someone has probably grilled it with great results.
6. Tie-Dye Your Clothes
Have some old white undershirts lying around? Breathe new life into them with the help of a tie-dye kit. Invite a few friends over and spend the day outside dipping your garments in multicolored dye.
Every time you put on your tie-dye shirt (or socks or overalls) you’ll have a fond memory of your amazing summer.
See You Next Summer…
It’s always hard to say goodbye to summer. With any luck, your region will have warm days that last well into autumn. Keep on enjoying every ray of sunshine for as long as you can. When the air finally turns crisp and the first snow falls, don’t despair! Before you know it, next summer will arrive, and you can use these same tips to kick it off with a bang!
