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For many of us, summer is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year.
For some it means taking that much needed vacation to a relaxing, beautiful destination.
For others it means sitting outside under the warm sun, sipping a fun, fruity drink poolside.
And for the more aesthetically inclined, summer translates to bright pink lipsticks, twirly, tangerine colored dresses, coral swimsuits, cute, woven beach bags and oversized sunglasses.
While all these interpretations of summer are great ways to make the most of the warmer months, the summer is also an opportune time to grow and learn more about yourself.
Your summer should be filled with rich, rewarding experiences that bring you more in touch with the person you are, and inspire you to be the most authentic version of yourself.
So If you’re wondering how you can make the most of this summer, look no further than these 10 ideas.
The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Self-Discovery
1. Travel alone. There’s no better way to learn something new about yourself than to travel alone. When you take yourself out of your usual, familiar environment and test what you know-whether it’s a new cuisine you’re trying or a new language you’re immersing yourself in-you’ll challenge your thinking and see the world differently. So plan a relaxing beach weekend getaway, or book an Airbnb in a city you’ve never traveled to before. You’ll be surprised by how much more you learn when you travel solo and you’re required to depend on you and only you.
2. Enjoy a summer sunset. When was the last time you enjoyed a good, old-fashioned summer sunset? There’s something so peaceful about watching the day quietly transition to night. So tonight or tomorrow evening, get outside and watch the sunset. Oh, and leave your phone at home 🙂
3. Do a 48 hour social media detox. Speaking of phones, try taking a mental break from social media this weekend. For just 48 hours, leave your online profiles alone, and allow yourself to completely unplug from the alternate reality that is social media. Immerse yourself instead in the present moment, and appreciate the tangible, real relationships you have in your life.
4. Plan a staycation. Book a staycation this summer and get to know your hometown or city a little better. Book a hotel downtown for a night and try a chic, new restaurant. Or check out one of the museums you’ve been meaning to visit since you moved there. You’ll be inspired by all the discoveries you make right in your own backyard, while also appreciating the experiences you’ve never had before.
5. Find a good summer read. Never underestimate how eye-opening a great book can be. A well-written, insightful book can transport you away with just the flip of a page. Take yourself on an introspective adventure, and let your mind escape with a good summer read.
6. Finish a goal that you’ve put off for too long. Think about your internal list of goals and the ones that have been on that list for too long; you know which ones I’m talking about. Revisit one of those goals and commit to completing it. Not only will you feel relieved when you can finally mentally tick it off your list, but you’ll also prove to yourself that you are more than capable of following through on what you wish to accomplish.
7. Go glamping with your gal pals. If you’re not someone that likes to get out there and rough it, try glamping: the glamorous version of camping. You can still get all the benefits of being in the great outdoors, while not being too exposed to the elements.
8. Try a new recipe (grill required). Spice up your life a bit and try a new recipe, but incorporate your grill for that added summer flavor. Put on your summer jams, experiment with new, fresh ingredients and enjoy the creative process.
9. Go on a road trip for the day. Either solo or with friends, go on a road trip for the day and see something unfamiliar. Go on a hike and connect with nature, or visit a small, rustic town and check out the local sights.
10. Go on a date with yourself. While it may seem a bit daunting at first to go out to dinner and a movie by yourself, knowing how to treat yourself like this is one of the best ways you can learn to take care of yourself. Plus, when you know how to keep yourself company without the presence of someone else, you become more self-accepting, and also bolster your self-confidence.
