Five Easy Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Summer

Summer is by far my favorite season. Long weekends, lazy days at the beach, and poolside relaxation—check…check…and check! But it seems that as you get older, take on more responsibilities, and well, work a full-time 9-to-5 job, those things that you love about summer seem harder to enjoy.

I looked at my calendar the other day and couldn’t believe that we are already nearing the end of June—and I have yet to indulge in a beach day. So, in order to get some enjoyment from the summer of 2017, here are a few tips that I’ve rounded up to help you (and me) make the most of summer.

1.)  Schedule time for summer activities that you enjoy: In an effort to avoid repeating the sins of last summer, where I failed to make it paddle boarding even once, I am adding this activity to my calendar now. It may seem silly to have to add an activity such as this to your schedule, but I’ve found that to be the best way to ensure an activity actually happens. So, Fourth of July weekend, here I come with my paddle board in tow!

2.)  Get going on a getaway: What are some of your fondest summer memories? Were they from a trip with your friends or family? A getaway doesn’t have to take weeks of planning or require an exotic location to be fun. For me, a quick day trip to Fire Island (about a half-hour ferry ride from home) is all I need to get out of my routine and feel like I went somewhere out of the ordinary. Think of fun places in your own neighborhood that you’ve wanted to explore and then get some friends together and make it happen.

3.)  Maximize your vacation days: If you’re anything like most people, your vacation days are precious. So why not take advantage of them when the weather is nice? Whether you have the flexibility to have Fridays off for the summer or can only use your days sporadically to take a mid-week respite, don’t let those days go unused…ever…but especially not in the summer. Talk to your boss early on and see what kind of schedule you can work out so you feel like you enjoyed some part of your summer—even while working full-time.

4.)  Take advantage of community events: Depending on where you live, activities might be happening right in your own backyard. Does your town put on free concerts in the park? Or host a neighborhood cook-out? Make sure you stay involved in your local community and see what they offer. If nothing else, it is a great way to meet new people. For the last couple of summers, I have gone to free classical music concerts at Heckscher Park in Huntington, New York. It is a great event and I look forward to it every summer—bring your own blanket or chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy a summer night under the stars.

5.)  Do something you haven’t done in summers past:   My summer schedule tends to repeat itself from year to year: lots of time at the beach, a trip to Fire Island or the Hamptons, and more time at the beach. I even frequent the same ice cream shop after each beach outing! But this summer, I am determined to change it up a bit. I’ve always thought it would be fun to go kayaking as the sun was rising—but since I’m not a morning person nor have I ever kayaked, this is clearly not something I’ve done yet. Think of things that you wouldn’t normally do. It can be as simple as trying a new spot by the water for brunch…or just stopping at a different ice cream place after a long day at the beach.

How do you get the most out of your summer?