For as long as I can remember, summer has been a time for productivity—whether it be through reading a book per day, going to summer school, taking an online math class, studying abroad in a foreign country, or getting a job to pay for college.
Still, it’s important to remind myself (and you) that summer is also a time for creativity and relaxation. It’s the perfect time to collaborate with friends on a new artistic project, catch up on your favorite TV shows, and just breathe.
Below, I’ve put together a number of ways you can relax, create, and basically channel your favorite indie movies:
- Have a picnic on the lawn in your backyard.
- Go berry-picking, and then bake a pie with those berries.
- Frolic through fields.
- Tan on your rooftop.
- Have a photoshoot in a thrift store.
- Wear heart-shaped sunglasses.
- Make virgin sangria.
- Watch as many sunsets as you can.
- Go to a local fair.
- Invite your best friends over for brunch. Make waffles or pancakes.
- Tie-dye.
- Buy sparklers (Later, light said sparklers).
- Have a water fight on a blistering hot day.
- Buy sunflowers. Lots of them.
- Skateboard.
- Make friendship bracelets.
- Stargaze.
- Have a campfire. (Trader Joe’s sells vegan marshmallows now!)
- Have a yard sale.
- Take a trip to a beautiful place you’ve never seen.
- Cover your arms in colorful temporary tattoos.
- Explore new restaurants.
- Go to art museums.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but I do hope it offers some ideas on how to make summer 2016 the best one yet! Be productive if you must, but make sure you have some fun, too!