Spring Into Summer With These Activities!

As spring turns into summer and the temperatures rise, it can be tempting to beat the heat indoors, but spending time outside is one of the best ways to increase your dopamine levels naturally and without breaking the bank. Here are the top 5 best ways to spend your summer outside, catching some rays, and keeping to a budget.

This summer, especially if you’re a senior, make sure to prioritize your health and increase your mood by spending time outside. 

1. Playing an Outdoor Game/Sport 

Playing sports and games with friends is one of the best ways I have found to increase my

overall mood. Games like pickleball, tennis, TAG, basketball, soccer, volleyball, or even just going for a run can be a great way to spend time with your friends without spending the whole time scrolling together. Going to the public pool is also a fun way to cool off and get some exercise. Say no to social media and yes to your health. 

Why Go Outside?

Getting vitamin D is essential to living. Vitamin D allows your body to absorb calcium faster and easier, meaning your bones will be stronger. Vitamin D is also extremely important for your immune system health. It also helps regulate your serotonin levels, making you a happier person overall, which is why it can be easy to feel depressed d

uring winter, or if you’re wasting your summer months indoors. 

2. Going for Hikes/Picnics

Going for hikes with your family and friends is a good way to spend time in nature and with your loved ones. Hiking is low-cost as it is usually free to gain access to trails. Additionally, having picnics is a wonderful way to collaborate with friends. Having a potluck or BBQ is another example of ways food and friends can equal a great time. These gatherings are also great for yard games or bonfires. 

Go For A Nature Walk 

Collecting pieces of nature on your walk to use for scrapbooking or just as a way to enjoy the scenery around you is a great way to be mindful of nature and its beauty. One example of this is trying to find all the colors of the rainbow or things in nature that start with every letter of the alphabet. Overall, going for a nature walk or being sure to be as present as possible on your walks or hikes is a great way to feel fulfilled and productive. 

3. Bonfires

Truly, nothing can compare to the feeling of the warmth of the fire and the company of great conversation. All the best heart-to-hearts happen late on a summer night, not while texting. When everyone puts their phones down, conversation flows, and friendships are made. Bonfires are also a great time for stargazing and enjoying the quiet night around you. Plus, who doesn’t love s’mores? 

S’mores Recipes: Fun Ways To Reinvent the S’more

One of the best things about a s'more is the different variations of s’mores there are. Some ideas are using Reese’s peanut butter cups instead of or in addition to the traditional Hershey’s chocolate squares, using cookies instead of graham crackers, or even using Peeps instead of regular marshmallows. There are so many different ways to customize s’mores, and they truly offer themselves up to your artistic imagination. Take advantage of that and have fun while enjoying a sweet treat. 

4. Move Your Reading Time Outside!

If you’re a bookworm, you should definitely consider moving your reading spot to somewhere outdoors and hang out with some actual worms. Getting outside and into the sun can help improve your mood and, therefore, your motivation to read. Reading books you already own or visiting your local library is a great way to cut down on costs. 

Summery Reads

Some summery reading ideas include 

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty series by Jenny Han 

   - Major beachy vibes

   - Drama and romance 

   - YA themes

   - Short Chapters

2. This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab

   - Easy to read 

   - Fantasy world building with intresting monsters 

   - Short but captivating read

   - Short Chapters

3. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

   - A classic but easy-to-understand language

   - Intresting and thought-provoking themes of justice

   - Larger than life characters 

   - Bragging rights 

4. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka 

   - A short read (so you won’t spend all summer reading it.)

   - Thought-provoking ideas of humanity 

   - More bragging rights 

5. Scrapbook your Summer

After all your time outside, make reminiscing a fun activity. Take pictures at all your activities and use them to make a cute scrapbook to look at when the temperature inevitably falls again. 

Scrapbooking Materials Suggestions

• Polaroids or printed out digital pictures 

• Fun construction paper 

• Paterned washi tape 

• Stickers 

• Drawings and paintings 

• Include bits and pieces from your adventures (like junk journaling) 

This summer, especially if you’re a senior, make sure to prioritize your health and increase your mood by spending time outside.