How to Make the Most Out of Summer

Why does it seem that summer is the season that goes the absolute fastest?! It's already July, and while we still have a great amount of warmth, sunshine and happiness to go, there's no time like the present to do fun things that satisfy your need for self fulfillment as much as humanly possible. It's ok to slow the hustle down for a minute to make the most out of your summer. Here's the best things you can do to enjoy every moment:

Spend as much time outside as possible

If it's cold where you live in the winter, this applies even more so for you! *raises hand*

Spend time at the beach, lounging by the pool, jetski/boat around, walk in the grass and the sand and don't be afraid to get a little dirty! The most rewarding time is spent making memories and getting outside in the warm sunshine, forgetting about our responsibilities for a hot second can be - quite literally - a huge breath of fresh air.

Do something you love that you normally don't have time for

For me, this means reading! I feel like I can never find the time to sit down and read a good book, and this summer I have a pretty long list of books I want to read. Find something you love but push back because you're normally too busy, and enjoy every moment of it. If for you this means reading too, find something you've been dying to read. If you don't have anything on your list, I highly recommend looking for something that will motivate and encourage you to be the best version of yourself. These kinds of books are great readers, and summer is meant to have fun!

Put your phone down and enjoy life

This can be a tough one because we are so much so a society that relies on social media - for engaging with one another, keeping in contact with friends and family, for making plans, to work; the list goes on. BUT, we all need a break and now, a break can very well mean from social media and getting away from technology. This is something that's often recommended and honestly, I can see why. I spent a day last weekend away from my computer and phone, and it is probably one of THE most refreshing things you could do for yourself!

Free of the worries of whose posting what on Instagram, what drama is going on in your friend group or the amount of tasks on your virtual to-do list, giving yourself a tech break will do you SO much good. If you can't commit to a full day, give yourself a time to be off of your computer and away from your phone at night. We're so blessed to have the technology we do these days for more than one reason, but it's necessary for our health and sanity to scale back once in a while.

Take a risk and do something that scares you

When I say to do something that scares you, I don't mean literally scares you... More so doing something that you think is out of your reach, or that never has seemed attainable before. Taking a risk to claim the reward kinds of things. One of my bucket list "risk" items would be to sky dive - it scares the you-know-what out of me to think about, but I also know it's one of those once in a lifetime opportunities. It's those circumstances that form our personalities and help us grow, push boundaries and be brave.

Travel, travel, travel

I know this isn't always attainable at any time for everyone, but if you can make it happen, do it. I'm a firm believer that traveling and experiencing new things is the best thing you can do for yourself! If you find yourself short on cash (don't we all at some point?!), put together a travel fund for yourself to help meet your goals in a more timely manner. There's no experience that could match what it means to travel this beautiful world.

Challenge yourself physically

You know what they say - there's no time like the present! Take some of your time off, or just use the gorgeous weather as an excuse to get into shape. Join a gym, take a fitness class, go for a daily walk, swim laps in the pool each morning - do something to challenge yourself and become the best version of you!

Finding your inner source of energy (ya girl needs more energy ASAP, or more hours in the day - but I'm placing my bets on higher energy levels!) helps your health in more ways than one. I see the difference when I eat healthier and work out, even if it isn't religiously. Just add something you enjoy doing to your lifestyle, at your own pace, and the change will seem effortless.

Take time to learn something new

There's never a bad time to learn something new! You're never too old, and nothing is too hard. I'm a language junkie and I'm dying to learn Latin; it may take longer than the summer (LOL) but it's on my radar! No matter what it is that you do, taking the time to learn something new to you is fulfilling and can be really eye opening.

XOXO -A