Layla Hall // Lifestyle // EEW Magazine Online

Ah, summer time! Bees are buzzing. Flowers are in full bloom. The sun is shining. Outdoor festivals are happening. Pretty sundresses and sandals are in season. Schedules slow down, and daylight lingers longer.

Now that the summer season has officially kicked off as of June 21st, EEW Magazine Online is giving you some of our best tips for maximizing extra free time and having loads of fun outside and indoors.

But first, remember, making the most of your summer is an intentional choice. Be deliberate about filling these upcoming weeks with enjoyment, pleasure, and relaxation. To help you generate ideas, here are 10 must-do’s to make the most of the season.

Host a cookout. Ain’t nothing like a backyard barbecue to rev up the fun, catch up with friends and family, and get some much-needed laughter in your life! It can be as fancy or as simple as you prefer—at home or the local park. It doesn’t even matter. Just do it. Who can argue against the summer season being a perfect time for a cookout? And if you’re worried about all that cooking, you don’t have to do it all alone. When you invite guests, ask them to bring a dish and just like that, you’ve got an awesome menu with minimal effort. Just make sure whoever is making the potato salad knows what they’re doing, child.

Go on a picnic. Who doesn’t love a picnic? This old-fashioned way of being in the company of good friends and yummy food never loses its charm or relaxation factor. Enjoy an easy, not-too-fussy menu with items like mini subs or sandwiches, pasta salad, chips and dip, fruit, and of course your favorite drinks and dessert. Get a blanket, a basket, a cooler, and a small battery-operated boom box for music. Figure out who is accompanying you and get ready to chat, eat, and enjoy some sun. Don’t forget your bug repellent, though!

Reduce social media time. Don’t waste all this beautiful weather and gorgeous nature by spending hours of your precious time with your head buried in your device, scrolling through posts and feeds. Get out into the world and experience what it has to offer. As an added challenge, try to do a few things that you don’t post about at all. This is a good way to train yourself to be present and not so preoccupied with capturing and sharing every minute with an online audience.

Take at least one trip. Traveling doesn’t need to be expensive or even that far. Whether you fly out of the country or take a road trip to a destination that’s only a few hours away, go somewhere other than your usual spots this summer. Did you know that experts say traveling can contribute to your overall well-being? It’s true. How? When you take opportunities to detach from humdrum activities and work, and experience new things, it refreshes your soul and lifts your spirit. Time to hit the road!

Visit friends. You know those girlfriends you have been meaning to catch up with forever? Well, now is the time to stop making excuses and start making visits. Check in with your friends. Grab lunch. Go to the spa. Attend a conference together. Whatever you do, be sure to share what’s going on in your world and listen to what’s happening in theirs. Take the opportunity to really look your friend in the eyes and see how they’re doing. Often, those we love are struggling and suffering in silence and could use a pick-me-up.

Head to a museum, art gallery, or outdoor festival. Appreciating the arts is wonderful, but often there isn’t time for such leisurely activities in your everyday life. Now that the days are longer, kids are out of school, and schedules aren’t quite as hectic, stimulate your senses by visiting a museum, art gallery or outdoor festival—either in your local community or somewhere in your region. This exposes you to different cultures, artistic interpretations, and traditions. It also gives you the chance to mingle and meet new people!

Volunteer. Summer programs that serve underprivileged children or those who need help in the community are incredible opportunities to do good. While catering to your own needs and finding space for relaxation is important, nothing quite lights you up inside like helping someone else. You may already know of volunteer opportunities at your local church, neighborhood nonprofits, or popular annual programs in your community. If you need ideas, ask around or head to Google and search. Most importantly, ask God to guide you where you need to go to be a blessing.

Go hiking. When most people think of hiking, they imagine making the trek up some steep hillside in a mountainous region with the threat of death looming. While that is accurate for some people, it doesn’t have to be your way of hiking. Walking through nature constitutes a hike, and it has tremendous health benefits like lowering your blood pressure, decreasing depression and anxiety, and even regulating sleep. Hiking is proven to benefit your skeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, and immune systems. And the beautiful thing is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Just get outside in nature this summer, get that heartrate up—and strap on a backpack for a more full-body workout. And just like that, congratulations, you’re officially a hiker!

Finish that reading list. What books have you been wanting to read and couldn’t find time? This is the time! You don’t have to vow to read an unrealistic number of books over the summer. You can start with a smaller, more manageable number—like 3-5 books—and see how it goes. If you get those crossed off your reading list, then add more. The hazy, lazy days of summer are ideal for filling your mind with useful information, stimulating ideas, and enjoyable stories. For added enjoyment, read outdoors in a quiet spot. Your mind, body, and soul will love it!

Go for a swim on the beach. Swimming is a relaxing, peaceful, healthy form of exercise. It’s a known stress reliever and is an enjoyable way to cool down on a hot day. If you live near beautiful beaches, dust off that beach hat, and don’t let summer slip by without visiting. Once you’re there, go for a dip in that warm glistening water. It will feel amazing. And if you can’t swim, well then summer time is a great time for taking swimming lessons! You’re never too old to learn a new skill.

These are just a few ideas to boost your summer fun and inspire you to enjoy every day. Perhaps reading our must-do list sparked creativity and ideas in you. We sure hope so!

However you choose to spend your summer, do something that makes you smile and feel alive.