The end of summer is quickly approaching along with cooler temperatures. I am here to keep your inspiration going for all the things you wanted to accomplish this summer. Have you ever experienced the “Summer Scaries”? You are probably wondering that means as I just made it up to describe one of my favorite feelings.
Summer Scaries: A combination of being nervous for your next chapter in the fall and the thrill of trying to still conquer epic adventures right until the last minute of the season.
I want to help you feel like you accomplished the best summer yet. There is nothing better than checking off items for your seasonal bucket list. If you feel like you are out of ideas or have not tackled anything yet here is a list of some great things to do in your final weeks of summer.
Sleep under the Stars
I feel like this activity is talked about a lot but rarely done. Maybe to some, it feels like you need to do a lot of prep work or it is too difficult. I want to express how easy it can be. All you need is a safe outdoor space, warm materials, and a companion is always nice whether it be a partner or best friend.
My brother and I used to camp out in the backyard all the time and I would bundle up with my favorite sweater, sweatpants, and socks. All we had to do was grab warm sleeping bags and sometimes would put an extra barrier between us and the ground such as a blanket or a softer tarp.
Be a tourist in your own town
This one is so simple and so fun. It honestly helps me reconnect with my community and bring back so many childhood memories. This can be as simple as taking a Saturday to explore your hometown and eat at your favorite local spot that you would recommend to tourists passing through.
This summer I made sure to accomplish being a tourist in my own town and my day looked like this…
- Started with a nice morning hike to a local spot that provides a view of the entire town
- Walked the main street and popped into our thrift shops and unique stores
- Visited the local museum
- Went for lunch at my favorite café in town
- Climbed our lookout tower, a recently built attraction, and now a current hot spot for tourists
- Spent the rest of the day relaxing at a public beach nearby
It was the perfect day to really get back to my roots and still feel like I was exploring or accomplishing something fun. Try doing it with friends who are from out of town where you can be their official tour guide to only make the experience even more enjoyable
Swim or maybe even skinny dip
This one is simple. SWIM. Find a local spot that you can you bring out your inner child and I do not mean float and look pretty – I am talking
- Compete to see who can hold their breath the longest underwater
- Try your best handstand
- Somersault
- Practice your front crawl or your doggy paddle
- Challenge your friends to a splash war
If you have access to a more private area like the beach at your cottage or you live on the water and you are feeling adventurous then I challenge you to SKINNY DIP.
Ride your bike or take a hike
Again, something that is so easy but can be overlooked. Try taking a bike ride somewhere you love or in a new area. You can do the same thing with hiking. Try a new hike or hike one of your favorite spots.
Play some games
If you are like me and have a little bit of a competitive spirit, host a board game night or challenge friends/family to the ultimate game of hide and seek or car tag – seriously try this.
Take a road trip
With the current circumstances of the world, you might have felt discouraged on summer plans because of a canceled vacation. Well, how about taking a road trip to a neighboring town or community you have never explored or somewhere safe to travel within your own province or country.
For more information on travel regulations within Canada check out these resources.
Read a book or finish one you started
Lots of us have summer reading lists or one that is ongoing all year round. I find there is nothing better than crossing off that book you have been in the middle of for too long. Whether you just need a reminder to finish a book you already started or completely read a whole new book I promise you will feel great after you do. For some suggestions on what to read make sure to check out other articles on feel-good reads, the classics, or if reading isn’t your thing maybe start your journaling journey.
I hope you finish off the summer in the most epic way and embrace those “Summer Scaries!”
