As a twenty-something, summer is always an exciting time. The weather is warm, the days are long, and the pants are off. Whether you are finishing your final years of college, or you are “adulting” with a permanent job, summer always comes with the promise of fun in the sun. That is not to say to neglect all responsibilities, but the key is to find a balance between work and play. The following will help you to do just that.
1. Try to catch up on sleep.
Especially if you are a younger twenty-something, you have most likely been lacking some vital sleep due to school. Now that it is officially summer, take advantage of the weekend (or weekday if you are lucky) to catch up on some Z’s.
2. Say hello to family!
Whether you are returning home from college, or even if you are living just down the street from mom, summer is a great time to meet up with relatives you have not seen in a while. Go have brunch with your father, or take a roadtrip to see your cousins. They will be more than happy to see you.
3. Update your resume.
Regardless of whether you already have a job, or are not in a place where you can commute for a job, updating your resume is crucial. Apply to some online internships, or look for paid positions in your neighborhood. If your resume is already perfect, offer to help review your friend’s resume!
4. Visit some old friends.
Being a twenty-something, now is an ideal window of time to reconnect with high school friends or college friends before you all start on your new and exciting lives. Laugh at your yearbook photos and catch up on all of the latest happenings in your life.
5. Get in shape!
With warmer weather and longer days, summer is the perfect time to start getting active. Take a run outside, or do some yoga with friends. The endorphins from exercising will make you feel happy and re-energized afterwards, and your body will thank you. Do not forget to hydrate!
6. Find a music festival!
There comes a time when dressing up in glitter-infused, midriff-baring attire is no longer appropriate. Since you are a twenty-something, this rule does not apply yet. Go crazy and break out your fannypack! Blow some bubbles, try some temporary tattoos, and unleash your inner wild child. No one is stopping you.
7. Break out the snail mail.
Write a letter to your aunt, grandma, tutor, mother, uncle, grandpa, or anyone who is influential and inspiring in your life. They will be pleasantly surprised to receive your letter, and hopefully they will send a response. Getting mail can be a lot of fun!
8. Catch up on Netflix.
Orange is the New Black anyone? Now that more shows are added to Netflix’s library, summer is the perfect time to kick back and relax by watching your favorite shows. Not a fan of television? There are plenty of movie options to get you excited about summer. Just make sure you watch more sunsets than you do Netflix.
9. Crack open a book.
Personally, I take pleasure in the tactile concept of opening and reading a new book. If this does not float your boat, turn on your Kindle or open your laptop and read away. Reading before bed is sometimes helpful to unwind, or take your book with you to a nearby park.
10. Make a new playlist!
Compile a list of songs for a roadtrip, a workout routine, a bubble bath, or a party. If you want to be more productive, find a Spotify productivity playlist. Out of song ideas? Ask your friends for suggestions! After all, music is life–that’s why our hearts have beats!
11. Go Camping!
Sleeping in a tent surrounded by nature can be super calming after the hectic pace of “adulting” or school. Grab your closest friends and a tent and get moving! Even if there are no campsites nearby, you can always use your backyard. If camping is not your thing, try glamping! For those of you who do not know, Glamour+camping=glamping. It can be done in your living room, in your backyard, or even your bedroom.
12. Try journaling!
Write down your favorite things that have happened so far, your feelings, or your worst fears! Sometimes writing everything down on paper can be therapeutic, and is much less expensive than going to a therapist. Plus, you will thank yourselves years later when you look back on your summer journal reminiscing on the fun and your outlook on life. Talk about nostalgic!
13. Throw a party!
Celebrate the first day of summer, the fourth of July, or anything that you want! Have a Christmas in July party or a summer barbecue. Today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present. If that is not reason enough to party, I’m not sure what is.
14. Go to an orchard.
Pick some apples, cherries, peaches, or berries! Make sure to wear sunscreen and bring a friend or two to help. Use your freshly picked fruit to make a pie! Want a refreshment instead? Try making sangria.
15. Give your pet some TLC.
If you are a younger twentysomething, you will know that leaving your pet behind to go to college is a difficult process. Now that you are back at home for the summer, do not forget to give your pet some love! For those of you without pets, borrow a friend’s pet, or visit a local animal shelter!
16. Travel.
Explore the next town over, or jet set off to Europe. If you are short on time, take a day trip or weekend somewhere new! Seeing the world is one of the best ways to grow, and as a twentysomething we have a lot of growing to do. After all, it’s bad manners to keep a vacation waiting.
17. Explore new activities.
Try to go scuba diving, or learn how to bowl. Learn how to play a new instrument, or how to sail. Ask your friends to join you, and have a blast!
18. Learn how to cook!
In your early twenty-somethings, it is acceptable (ish) to not know how to prepare meals. Once you are in your thirties, this will be unacceptable. Take the time now to learn how to make food, including your favorite dishes. Your children will thank you in the future.
19. Have a bonfire!
Spend a night eating s’mores under the stars with your friends and family! Grill some meat if you would like to, and enjoy a cold, refreshing beverage of your choice. Inhale the crisp smell of charred wood, and reminisce about life.
20. Say thank you.
Thank your parents for getting you to where you are today, for supporting you (financially and with love), for teaching you invaluable life lessons, and for ultimately giving you life! Thank your siblings for always having your back! Thank your friends for being supportive and amazing. Lastly, thank yourself! You are alive, and that is pretty awesome.
