Stop Missing Out On Summer Fun: 5 Steps to Unbridled Enjoyment
As a kid, summers were thrilling, action-packed and completely free. Fun was our only endgame.
As adults, they not only seem to get shorter each year, but they are not nearly as much fun. Raise your hand if as an adult you typically spend your day off from work watching TV, cleaning, or running errands.
While crossing things off your to-do list can be as satisfying as a cold drink of water at the edge of the desert, it doesn’t count towards “summer fun.” Remember, joy is the name of the game. When was the last time you spent a carefree afternoon on an inflatable raft? The last time you danced to a mariachi band at the end of a run? Can’t remember? We didn’t think so.
The winds of change are blowing. They’re calling your name. They’re saying stand up! Put away your responsibilities for a second, stop thinking about how long it’s been since your last adventure, and start one!
Okay, a few things need to be figured out beforehand. The first step in having more fun is carving out time for it. Making weekends sacred and closing out your email, shutting down the computer, and ditching any other work-related activities. Is this an overly pragmatic approach? Perhaps, but if setting boundaries is what you have to do, then do it. The summer will be over before you know it.
Step two is where most people get stuck, and regress back into the bog of eternal workload. What should I do? I don’t have the money to travel. I can’t afford to go crazy at an upscale restaurant.. That’s fine though, some of the greatest minds in past generations have figured out how to do the most with the least amount of resources. With a handful of creativity, and an open-mind, you can find fun anywhere.
1. Be a homegrown tourist
Staycations are taking the sea of fun by storm. Look through your local neighborhood highlights, and explore your own territory. You are bound to discover something interesting you’ve never considered before, and could potentially find something that will continue to be a favorite long after your adventure comes to a close.
Fancy yourself a locavore? Can’t get enough of the local food? Hit up the city’s farmer’s markets! Love a little history and culture vibe? Check out the local landmarks that you’ve probably not paid much attention to on a day-to-day basis.
2. Channel your inner-child
Hit up the nearest waterpark and head straight for the biggest slide. Play soccer with the kids, frisbee with the dog, and board games with the neighbors. Chase butterflies, buy cowboy hats or take a family bike ride through a neighborhood you’ve never seen before.
3. Discover the backyard
Plant a garden, schedule a picnic, pitch a tent for an evening under the stars. Not feeling particularly motivated? Pull up a chaise lounge with a tall glass of sweet iced tea. It’s amazing how much energy or relaxation you can claim from the privacy of your own backyard.
4. Discover something new
Join a club, start a club or learn about something you’ve always had an interest in but never had enough time for. Curious about the planets or constellations? How about taking that dance class or maybe an art class? As the summer winds down, now is the perfect time to take a cooking class or a class on pottery. Ever think about making your own candles?
Need an outlet for ideas? Looking for someone to join in on your adventure? GetAssist is the perfect platform to connect for that purpose. Establish a community network in your area, and learn about new exciting local adventures from your neighbors.
>>GetAssist may have just the “something new” you’re looking for! Join today and connect with the group of your choice – or start one of your own!
5. Trade an hour
Trade an hour each day and instead of running errands or doing chores or shopping, spend the time doing nothing. Re-teach yourself how to unwind. Spend that traded hour laying in a hammock, immersed in a book, channel-surfing or catching up on your GetAssist Grapevine. Carving out a notch of time to do absolutely nothing and shirk your responsibilities is good for the soul.
Summer is relatively short; don’t miss out on what’s left of it this year. With only a few short weeks left, how will you spend them?
