The first day of summer is June 21! For many, this is the first day of their favorite three months of the year. In the spirit of summertime fun, here are 10 ways you can celebrate the beginning of Summer:
1. Get social
Summer is the start of festival season in many parts of the country. Celebrating everything from Superman (Metropolis, IL) to Mosquitos (Clute, TX) and everything between, there’s sure to be a festival that would spark your interest. Be sure to check your local community calendar to make sure you get involved.
2. Lend a helping hand
Volunteer organizations are always looking for help, and you’re looking for a way to get some exercise and feel good. That sounds like a great match! Volunteering to walk dogs for your local animal shelter or volunteering to help with yard clean up for local elderly or infirm people are just two examples of ways you can turn up your activity level and do some good for those in need.
3. Eat something green
June is usually when the first crops start showing up. Veggies like lettuces, spinach, kale and snap peas will start appearing at your local farmers market. Take advantage of these early season vegetables to break out of your winter/spring diet rut and bite into something fresh!
4. Start a new outdoor hobby
There are many, many activities to try outside that you may never have considered that cost little or nothing. Disc golf, ultimate Frisbee leagues, geocaching, and waterfall spotting are all examples of fun outdoor activities that will get you moving without breaking your budget.
5. Play in the dirt
Remember when you were a kid and how much fun it was when you got REALLY dirty? It’s still just as much fun, but we just cover it with more adult activities. Mountain biking, gardening, and wild mushroom hunting are just a few things that will likely make a mess – and leave you with a sense of accomplishment when you’re finished.
6. Splash around
You don’t have to be a world-class swimmer to enjoy spending time in the water. Whether you’re swimming laps at the local pool or doing some shallow-water running at the beach, water provides additional resistance to your workout, improving both the cardio and aerobic benefit you receive.
7. Do some fishing
Fishing can be a wonderfully relaxing way to spend a few hours. You get to spend time in nature, see some wildlife, and (if you’re lucky) catch some dinner! If you’re not a pescetarian, you can always practice catch-and-release (after getting a photo, of course!). You get additional cool-points if you take your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews with you.
8. Hang out with Dad
Coincidentally, this year Father’s Day and the first day of summer are one and the same. Now you have two reasons to get together, grill out, and listen to his horrible jokes one more time.
9. Get some ice cream
As if you needed us to recommend this. For some of us, nothing represents summer better than a generous scoop of vanilla on top of a sugar cone. Just remember that there are healthy and good-tasting alternatives to ice cream, including vegan, low sugar, and lactose-free versions.
10. Attend the National Wellness Conference
If you want to get truly energized for summer, nothing is going to top attending the National Wellness Conference – happening this year from June 15 – 18 in Minneapolis, MN. Some of WellAdvantage’s very own will be in attendance. You can learn the latest wellness news and practices, take part in networking with your peers, and experience rejuvenation in your passion for your career unlike you’ll find anywhere else!
We hope you are having a lovely time preparing for the summer warmth–we cannot wait to bask in the summer air and relax!