15 Things You Must Do Before This Summer Ends | Herbal Goodness

A bucket list of fun!

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You have just gotta love the summer. It has this laidback, “take care of yourself” vibe to it. If summer was a person, they would probably be the most chill person in the room with a radiant glow. Summer is a time for everyone to kick back even kids. School’s out, so that means they can stay up later than usual, spend more time playing outdoors and with you bonding…if you have kids that is. Last year’s summer was spent indoors with the world healing and powering through a global pandemic. As I sat indoors with my phone, Netflix, fluids, and vitamins supply; occasionally glimpsing my swimwear at the back of my closet, I knew the next time I got to do summer outdoors I would go all in. And I am sharing with you my bucket list of ultimate fun!

Although some of the things on this list may be some people’s everyday life or you may have already crossed them off your list, let’s just have this down here for sharing. Here are 15 possible ways you can take full advantage of the good weather and good vibes of the season.

1. Go for a picnic: Put some food in a basket or a cooler, go find a grassy spot somewhere, plop down, and have a meal. Take your friends or your family along and make an experience that you’ll remember. Picnics might seem old-fashioned but they are a lot of fun. Please, wear sunscreen while you are out.
2. Start a simple exercise routine: Summertime is the best time to get yourself into shape. It’s nice outside which makes outdoor activities more fun. People generally lose weight over the summer because there is so much more to do. Have a simple exercise routine that is doable and be consistent at it. Set fitness goals that date to the end of summer and you will find that you will come out of summer feeling extremely accomplished and toned.
3. Get your nose out of your phone: The internet is an ever-appealing place and we can get so lost in it forgetting we live in a very real world with people to reach out to and connect with. This summer, take a minute to look up from your phone, step away from the computer, and experience life without the Internet. Stop by and see your friends. Catch up; do things that you used to do before the Internet snatched you away.
4. Start a garden: There is almost a primal satisfaction in making things grow out of the ground. A lot of people plant gardens and you should too. You can grow flowers, vegetables, fruits, or even herbs and spices. Finding what to grow can be fun and weeding your garden can be oddly calming and therapeutic. Plus, you can pick what you grow and use it for making healthy, delicious meals.
5. Organize a BBQ: There is no better time to have a BBQ and invite your friends, neighbors, and family over. It’s a fun time and it’s a great way to bond with the people you care about. Meat is less fatty and more flavorsome grilled, and veggies retain their nutritional goodness. Add some sides like grilled corn, coleslaw, and cornbread to balance your meal, of course.
6. Go see the water: It could be the beach, a lake or even a pool. Just go sink your feet and even splash around in a water body. Swimming, sunning, and just generally lounging by the water are the things that many people miss most about the summer months. Water is an amazing thing and you can do a lot with it. Lie on the beach or go for a boat ride. There are a hundred things you can do once you hit the water. Just enjoy yourself!
7. Attend an outdoor concert: Most towns and cities have a ton of free outdoor summer concerts — find the one closest to you and indulge. Make sure you come prepared with a blanket, snacks, sunscreen, and some bug spray.
8. Go on a road trip: Summer is the perfect time to explore, so hit the open road. Let each passenger pick a place they want to see, an activity they want to experience, or a place they want to eat. If you want to treat yourself, why not rent a convertible and go on a mini road trip. Nothing beats experiencing a summer breeze with the top down while discovering new places on your travels.
9. Go fishing: Whether you use it as an excuse for some quiet quality time with the kids, or you want to rent a boat to head out on the lake for some contemplative peace, fishing is a great summer activity. Always take the proper safety precautions if you are going out on open water and check you have permission to fish in the area you select.
10. Indulge in a DIY drink recipe: One of the best things about summer is fruity drinks. Summer is the best time to sip on a cool, refreshing drink. Smoothies are amazing and there are hundreds of places that sell them. If you’re into making them at home you can find thousands of recipes. Do yourself a favor and make yourself a nice big smoothie.
11. Go camping: Camping is another wonderful summertime escape before the temperatures start to drop and some campsites close. From kayaking to hikes and swimming holes, the summer fun that camping has to offer is endless.
12. Visit the local farmer’s market: Get the freshest, in-season produce grown by nearby farmers. And look for meats, cheeses, honey, and flowers from local vendors too. You might be surprised at all the good stuff you can bring home.
13. Volunteer: It’s never too late to help those in need or to volunteer in places around your community. Volunteer to be a lifeguard or help clean up trash out of your local parks and woods. Give back to your local community by volunteering your time to a cause important to you.

Well, there you have it. By sticking to this list or spicing it up with more activities of your own, you are sure to have a blast this summer. So, I guess all that's left to say is “Happy summer!”