Summer and fun are pretty much synonyms, though, after the year we’ve had, we might find ourselves in a rut, or just overwhelmed by trying to catch up with things.

No matter how your life is looking these days, taking the time to enjoy summer, and what it has to offer can help with your wellbeing and reduce the stress of this pandemic.

With that in mind, I wanted to share a few simple bucket list ideas for this season that I’d like to do - I hope it inspires you to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Here they are…

• Enjoy as many in-season fruits and vegetables as possible.

  Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, fresh figs, watermelon, cantaloupe, melon, peaches, plums… there is no shortage of delicious fruits and veggies this time of year. Summer also means an abundance of heirloom tomatoes - enjoy them with burrata, buffalo or mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Or, slice tomatoes and cucumbers in a bowl, mix them, splash with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and balsamic (optional), and you have an easy delicious salad. If you want to get fancy, add kalamata olives, some feta, dried oregano, a small chopped onion (optional), olive oil, and you have a Greek salad in minutes… really, it doesn’t get more summery than that. Note: many of these fruits and veggies are on sale so take advantage of that!

• Spend time outdoors.

  Be it in your backyard or a park, make sure you spend time outside this summer. Go for walks, go biking, read a book outside (get some recommendations here) - just get some fresh air, it will make you feel good.

• Go to a “movies in the park” screening or a drive-in theatre (check this site for major cities).

  Do a quick google search and determine if these types of events are happening in your city (most likely they are), and go for it - they can be so fun! Just make sure you bring the bug spray (you know, for the “just in case”).

• Go to a new-to-you beach.

  Are you going to the same beach over and over? It can get boring! If you can, travel to a different one, for, at the very least, a change of scenery or break in your comfort zone.

• Get on a boat!

  If you’re lucky to live at least somewhat close to water, go kayaking, or, if confident or adventurous enough - paddleboarding, jet-skiing, etc. Being on the water can be extremely relaxing, and summer is the perfect season for these kinds of activities. Just make sure you use plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

• Have an outdoor picnic.

  Bring snacks like hummus with veggies (celery, baby carrots, cucumbers, and even tomatoes - trust me!), yummy sandwiches, charcuterie, or whatever you prefer - and enjoy lunch outside. Oh, and again, don’t forget the bug spray to protect yourself from ticks.

• Take a road trip.

  Even if just for one day, escaping your all-too-familiar surroundings can do wonders for your overall wellbeing, especially if you’ve been feeling tired, uninspired, or in a rut. You don’t have to go far, just get out of your city and visit a completely new place, or, re-visit one that made your soul happy.

• Make time for sunsets.

  Really, stop whatever you’re doing and just watch the sunset for once (you’ll get that picture some other time).

What’s on your summer bucket list?

Until next time.

xoxo,

Em