9 Ways to Make the Most of Summer

Summer always goes by so fast, but what if you could slow it down? Plan your priorities and design a routine—including rest days!—that will help you thrive.

Summer vacation doesn't mean the learning has to stop—it can be filled with wholesome activities that help kids grow and thrive. Andrey Yurlov/Shutterstock

Summer is around the corner, and this is a season that can offer a unique opportunity to catch up, create balance, reprioritize, rest, reconnect, and have fun. No matter your age or what stage of life you’re in, summer can be a wonderful season to enjoy. Here are nine things you can do to make the most of this summer.

Envision Your Summer

Before spring transitions to summer, take some time to think about and picture what a wonderful summer might look like for you in the season of life you’re presently in. Will you get a break from work or school? Will you spend more time with loved ones? Will you get outside more often? Will you travel? Will you find time to do the things you’ve struggled to fit into your schedule? Will you finally take the time to rest and nourish yourself?

Ask yourself: What could I do (or not do) this summer that I’ll be so glad I did come September? Write down three things you’ll focus on this summer and why it’s important to you that you take action on them.

Map Out Your Weeks

Practically speaking, summer is a handful of weeks, depending on how you look at it. If your summer runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you’ll enjoy 14 weeks of summer this year. Perhaps you need to wait until the kids are out of school to take full advantage of all that summer has to offer, so this season may be a little shorter.