5 Simple Fixes for a Fantastic Summer

Summer is a magical time when you are a child. From picnics in the park, to swimming in the pool, to camping, and family reunions, summer holds seemingly endless fun for the young. Unfortunately, as many of us become adults, summer becomes just another season. Some of us barely even notice the change in weather.

Now is the time to recapture the magic of summer. Sure you are older and you have many other responsibilities, but this doesn’t mean that an enjoyable summer is out of your reach.

Here are five simple changes you can make to ensure a memorable summer:

1. Go Unplugged

Technology is a wonderful thing and we can accomplish incredible tasks with the swipe of a single finger; however, technology can also hold us back from sensory experiences. While you can view and hear impressive things on your phone, tablet, or computer screen, you can’t engage your other senses. In order to better appreciate the joys of summer you need to get out and see, hear, taste, touch, and smell the summer!

In order to increase your sensory experiences, you need to free yourself from distractions. Take a few moments and watch your kids enjoying summer. Instead of getting jealous, learn from them! Free yourself from unnecessary entanglements and let yourself have a good time. Your kids will appreciate the extra attention and they will learn from your example of letting go.

Getting rid of all technology is not very practical in today’s world. Consider these alternatives instead:

Designate one day a week as web free day and steer your activities away from the computer on that day.

Think of your cell phone as a tool to only be used in case of emergency when you are out with your children. You don’t have to turn the phone off, but find a pocket in your purse or bag to store the phone until you are home again.

Set a goal to only check your phone at certain intervals throughout the day.

Choose one day a week as your “social media day”. On this day you can browse, upload, and update any social media account. The other six days of the week, resolve to stay away from social media.

2. Escape in a Book

When was the last time you read a book just for fun? Reading is one of the best ways you can explore far away places and entertain new ideas. While you may not have time to read every day this summer, you can find time to read one book cover to cover before the summer ends.

Check out popular reading lists online. Ask family and friends for recommendations. Reread a book you loved as a teenager. Pick one book that interests you and get reading. Keep the book in your purse, car, or bag this summer and take advantage of waiting time or spare moments to keep turning those pages.

3. Explore Your Own City

Use the summer to discover some hidden gems in your community. Your community most likely has a lot to offer that is still a mystery to you. Think of this summer as a vacation in your own home town. Here are some ways you can explore the areas around you:

Eat at local, independent restaurants
Visit all local museums and historical landmarks
Explore your local library
Visit a nearby college or university campus
Set a goal to visit every park in your city
Take your kids to any nearby zoo, planetarium, or aquarium
Go for a bike ride in the surrounding countryside, or on a local bike path
Visit a nearby state or national park
Purchase items at a local farmer’s market
Check out yard sales
Go camping in your own backyard
Explore your city on foot
Take advantage of local events like concerts, plays, exhibits, parades, etc.
Stroll through local shops and stores

4. Give Up One Bad Habit

Making healthy changes is not just for the month of January. Set the goal this summer to give up one bad habit. While you may be tempted to change a lot of things, committing yourself to getting rid of one bad habit at a time increases the odds that you will be successful in achieving your goal. Here are some examples to get you thinking:

Stop drinking soda pop and drink more water instead.
Stop gossiping.
Improve your sleeping habits. Go to bed earlier and get up earlier.
Limit your television viewing to one episode per day, and two movies per week.
Give up energy drinks.
Limit your snacking to one unhealthy snack per day.
Indulge in dessert only once a week.
Apply sunscreen daily, even when laying out.
Get professional help if you have a substance addiction. You can start here.
Stop telling white lies.
Stop procrastinating. Pay all bills on time.

5. Stock Up on Simple Foods

With hot weather, normal responsibilities, and extra opportunities, the last thing you probably want to do at the end of a summer day is make dinner. Stock up on these simple foods that require little preparation:

Sandwich Ingredients
Condiments (mayo, mustard, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, etc.)
Breads (pita bread, bagels, rolls, croissants, sandwich thins, french bread)
Cheese (sliced cheeses, cream cheese)
Meat (lunch meat, canned chicken chunks, tuna)
Veggies (lettuce, tomato, onion, peppers. spinach, cucumber, olives, pickles)
Peanut butter, jams, jellies
Salad Ingredients
Salad greens (iceberg, spinach, romaine, mixed greens, cabbage)
Fruit (apple pieces, berries, mandarin oranges, pears)
Toppings (bacon pieces, nuts, raisins, craisins, croutons, cheese)
Proteins (grilled meats, canned black, pinto, or kidney beans)
Other veggies (tomatoes, peppers, onions, sweet corn, carrots)
Favorite salad dressings
Smoothie Ingredients
Frozen fruit (berries, pineapple, mango, peaches)
Yogurt
Frozen juice concentrate
Bananas
Sherbet
Snacks
Raw veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers)
Crackers
String cheese
Fresh fruit (apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, berries, watermelon)

Other Ideas
Frozen pizza
Cold cereal
Frozen ravioli and pasta sauce
Pasta salad
Quesadillas
Layered bean dip with chips and dipping veggies

By following these five simple tips, you can put the magic back in your summer!

Author: Whitney Hollingshead

Linked To: WWhop, WakeUpWednesday, WonderfulWednesday, WhimseyWednesday, FabulouslyFrugalThursday, ThinkTankThursday, PartyTimeLinkParty, FourSeasonsParty, DIY LINKY, FromTheFarm, SimplyNaturalSaturday, CleverChicksBlogHop