Instructions
- Step 1: Take a dip Grab a towel, don a bathing suit, and cool off with a swim. Wear waterproof sunscreen and play a little Marco Polo; before you know it, you’ll be having such a good time, you won’t realize you’ve burned off all those ice cream calories.
- TIP: Drink plenty of water, even when you’re swimming. You might not feel thirsty, but you’re still moving around in the hot sun.
- Step 2: Get growing Start a vegetable garden. Find a plot of land and map out areas for various veggies. Aerate and weed with a trowel, then plant summer produce like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Water regularly and watch the perfect complements to a summer barbecue come to life.
- Step 3: Find a sport Toss a ball around, shoot some hoops, ride a bike, spike a volleyball, toss a Frisbee, play some tennis, go for a run — anything that gets you up and moving outdoors. Being active in the sun improves sleep, promotes vitamin D production, and boosts your mood — just be sure to wear sunscreen.
- Step 4: Grab some reading material Pick a book, stretch out in the shade, and read. Choose a book that interests you, rather than something you think you have to read. Try a masterpiece you’ve always meant to check out, and challenge yourself to finish it by Labor Day.
- Step 5: Go camping Explore the great outdoors with a camping trip. Grab a canteen, food, and a flashlight, pack up a tent and sleeping bag, throw it all in a backpack, and hit the road. Even if you’re just in your own backyard, the summer months are the perfect time for a night away from the television.
- TIP: If you live in an area with fireflies, bring a mason jar on your trip and catch some to give your camp a little extra mood lighting.
- Step 6: Look to the heavens Wait for night to fall, go outside, and stargaze. Consult a star chart to find constellations, many of which were named centuries ago. Let your imagination run and find new shapes and images in the sky to inspire you as you consider your next fun summer activity.
- FACT: In August 1969, Sly and the Family Stone’s single “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” hit no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
You Will Need
- Beach towel
- Bathing suit
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Trowel
- Vegetable seeds
- Sports equipment
- Book
- Camping gear
- Star chart
- Mason jar (optional)
