The weather’s warming up and the shades are coming out! School is out for summer in just a few days and we all have class-free days and fun-filled nights on our minds. While some may be packing their bags for a jet-setting rendezvous or putting on their best business-casual outfit for an internship, there are others of us who might be feeling a bit…bored this summer. Sure, there is the beach and even a few summer blockbusters to see at the movie theater. But with a few months to kill, time should also be spent trying new things! Here are a couple of ideas that may inspire you to be productive this summer.
- Get crafty
Not only is making crafts fun, but it can also be relaxing and therapeutic. You can make nifty little pieces for yourself and your family and friends with just a few craft store ite
ms. Whether you make pottery, jewelry, candles, or knitted accessories, you’ll have fun making things that you can be proud of and share with others. Don’t be intimidated by home decor DIY tutorials either. There are simple ways of sprucing up your walls without breaking bank. You can create amazing decorations with just a handful of items, which you might already have at home!
2. Volunteer
What better way to spend your time than to help others? It’s always wonderful to give back to those who are in need. Many charity organizations are open to student volunteers. Whether it is a soup kitchen or a women’s shelter, any help is great help. Not only will you b
e lending a hand to people in your community who are in need, but you will also feel good about yourself for doing great deeds. You can be a part of making your community a better place!
3. Find your inner gourmand
It’s totally okay if you are not the greatest cook. Not all of us can be Wolfgang Puck! But don’t ever feel discouraged from trying your hand at whisking and sautéing. Cooking is a great skill to have, even if you consider yourself a novice cook after a few tries. Cooking your own meals is fun and it’s also much cheaper than constantly eating out at restaurants. Watch culinary shows on Food Network and skim through cooking blogs online in order to find inspiration and recipes. If cooking is still rather daunting to you, take baby steps and just find one great recipe and try to perfect it! You’ll gradually find your own control as a cook and gain more confidence in the kitchen.
4. Write away!
Summer is a wonderful time to reflect on life and our surroundings. Everyone has creativity and emotions, and writing is one of the simplest and most beautiful ways of expressing ourselves. Find some kind of writing outlet, whether it is blogging, journaling, or even storytelling. Since summer will be full of beautiful sunny days, journal your thoughts and ideas outside and be one with nature à la Henry David Thoreau. It’s relaxing and will help you cleanse your mind as you write.
5. Grow a green thumb!
Nothing says “summertime” like flowers and pretty plants. Having a green thumb takes practice, but that is what a few months of vacation can help with. Flowers can always brighten up sunny days even more. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are also great to plant, especially if you are planning on cooking often. Tomatoes, peppers (both hot and bell peppers), squashes, and carrots are great choices. Not only will you have fun, but what’s better than cooking with fresh produce straight from your garden?
You may not have had summer plans before, but just trying out any of these ideas will surely add some fun to your summer days at home. Hopefully these ideas will also inspire you to try another things that weren’t mentioned, too. And who knows? Maybe you will find a talent that you never thought you had. Summer is a time of self-discovery, so explore away!