2020 has presented a host of unique challenges for people all around the world. While it has been difficult for many, this year has allowed us to rediscover the value of family, self-care, and the great outdoors. With some free time and a dash of creativity, you can make these upcoming months your best yet.
Here are nine ways to make this summer the best ever, whether you’re alone at home or surrounded by the whole family!
#1: Get Cinematic
Binge all the TV shows and movies you’ve been holding off on this year? Want to indulge in some international fare? Then feast your eyes on the explosive magic of Bollywood movies right from your TV. Or, bring the drive-in to your driveway by setting up some lawn chairs and a portable projector right outside.
Build your very own in-house movie theater and bring the cinema to you!
#2: Sip and Paint
Summer comes with great weather and even better views. It’s the perfect time to dust off your brush and paint set and get creative. Need inspiration? Just look outside—the colorful blooms and lush greenery should do just the trick. What’s happier and more energizing than the summer season?
For a decadent twist, turn your summer paint project into a sip-and-paint date night, just don’t forget to choose the best wine for the occasion and throw in a chocolate-covered strawberry (or two) in the mix.
#3: Splash into Summer
Set up an at-home water park with a super fun backyard water slide for kids, or jump in the pool after a refreshing picnic with sliced watermelons and homemade lemonade.
#4: Get Physical
Break a sweat outside by hiking with the pals or jogging to your favorite summer tunes. Not feeling the heat? Stay inside instead and try some out-of-the-box exercises perfect for fitness, just without the sunburn.
#5: Get Digital
Sure, physical activity is important, but sometimes, you just want to get lost in the enchanted world of virtual storytelling through the season’s best videogames.
Check out one of these popular picks for hours of fun:
- The Last of Us Part II – For a somber yet spellbinding zombie adventure.
- Animal Crossing – For hours of adorable open-world exploration with whimsical furry friends.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 – Because practicing tricks outside is fun, but playing inside with the AC on is slightly more fun—and slightly less painful.
- Paper Mario: The Origami King – For a colorful strategic RPG with everyone’s favorite Italian plumber.
#6: Capture Unforgettable Memories
With the nostalgic and enticing beauty of summer upon you, you can’t forget to capture the moment with your camera or phone. However, no matter how expertly you take your photos, it’s easy to get caught up in the present and forget to actually look back on those happy summer days.
That’s why you should spend some time scrapbooking your top pics of the season. For easy, beautiful results, use a high-quality printer for pictures to jump right into your scrapbooking session.
#7: Grow Your Own Grub
What better way to spend your summer than spending less money on food? How about eating healthier while doing so? That’s right. This is your chance to have a go at gardening right in your backyard. Summer is all about picking up new hobbies and embracing old ones, so grab some gloves and a shovel and get planting!
Here are some fruits and veggies you can grow at home to make your salads extra local:
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Cucumbers
- Basil
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Green beans
#8: Concentrate on Self-Care
Use your extra free time to embrace self-care practices—design your own skincare routine, splurge on some nice lotions, or have an at-home spa day with the whole family. Try using a cruelty-free white algae face mask for dry skin to rejuvenate those rosy cheeks for a summer under the sun.
#9: Camp Indoors
You don’t need to drive miles to a national park to go camping. Plus, who likes bug spray anyway? Instead, set up a tent (or a pillow fort) indoors with the kids and pop some cookies in the oven for all the glory of camping from the comfort of your home.
Anything is Possible with Some Sunscreen and Creativity
With the right attitude, a squirt of sunscreen, and some creativity, you can have the summer of a lifetime no matter your situation. Whether you want to carve out some time for yourself or spend quality hours outdoors with the family, this sunny season is full of new memories and adventures ripe for the picking.
Who knows, the state of the world might even make this summer more intimate and memorable than any you’ve experienced.
So, what are you waiting for?
Go enjoy your summer!
