We spend all year dreaming about summer, fondly reminiscing on the days we've spent by the pool and the nights we've sat around a bonfire. Without fail, every year, summer presents itself. Yet every year, we seem caught off guard by the arrival of what is considered as the best season to many. We all strive to make each new summer the best yet, and I'm here to help. Here are 10 keys to making Summer 2k18 the best yet.
1. Dropped expectations
I'm a huge offender of daydreaming about ideal situations, and summer is no exception. I see "perfect summers" portrayed in movies and TV shows and I can't help but to want exactly what my favorite characters had. This often leads to disappointment because as we're all aware, life is nothing like the movies. Rather than formulating the exact itinerary of a "best summer ever" we can go into the season with a blank slate and a world of unknown possibilities at our feet.
2. An openness to meeting new people
Chance may have said "summer friends don't stay," but that doesn't mean it isn't worth a shot to make some new ones. Everyone seems more excited to expand their circles when they're not bogged down by school. Take advantage of this excitement, meet new people that live near you and feel the rush that comes with getting to know someone you don't have a history with. Introduce some of your college friends to some of your high school friends and they'll likewise do the same!
3. The ability to be spontaneous
Some of my favorite memories from this summer so far have come from decisions made on a whim. We all have certain obligations to attend to, but typically less than normal. So call up your friends and go on random adventures. It could be something as exhilarating as cliff jumping or as simple as grabbing some food late at night. You have all year to make plans and stick to them, but now is a perfect time to let go of the planners and embrace going with the flow.
4. Lots and lots of sunscreen, water and sleep
Now is as good a time as any to prioritize your physical health. Even if you don't burn, UV rays still damage your skin, which can result in skin cancer later in life. A little SPF 30 won't kill you, but too much sun can, so be nice to your skin and protect it!
Likewise, the heat takes a toll on your body, so hydrate or die-drate. Finally, now that you have more time than ever, catch up on sleep! The toll the warmth and sun take on your body mean you need extra time to recharge. You can't have the best summer ever if you're always burnt, dehydrated or exhausted!
5. The perfect playlists
You have the power to create some fire playlists that when you hear a song from one of them years from now, you'll immediately think of 2018. Personally, I always create a specific country playlist for summer, along with the type of music I would play if someone passed me the aux at a pool party.
6. The power to optimize your free time
I constantly hear people complain about their inability to have a rockin' summer because they have a job. "Oh, you're doing cool things, well some of us have to work and make money so we can pay for things." Newsflash, you can work a summer job and still have an amazing time.
I'll be working 40 hours a week, but I'm still optimistic because I've mapped out when I have free time and schedule all my big plans during said free time. Utilize it whenever you have it, chances are if you think you have none, you haven't looked hard enough.
7. A bomb bucket list
I know earlier I said to be spontaneous and drop expectations, and creating a bucket list might hinder the spontaneity and create expectations, but hear me out. A summer bucket list doesn't detail where or when all of your "must-do's" will happen, and it creates goals towards which you can achieve, but won't leave you heartbroken if you don't.
I won't tell you what to put on the said bucket list because no "best summer ever" is the same, but I will say, add a few things outside your comfort zone to add some excitement to your summer!
8. A solid friend group
Adventures are best when they are shared. Make sure you surround yourself with friends that don't add drama to your life, but rather adopt carefree mindsets. There's no time for pointless gossip during the summer. There's only time for making memories to last a lifetime.
9. Recipes for classic summer nights
We idolize the summer night, and for good reason. Make sure to pack in a few nights filled with some of the following: bonfires, music blasting, grabbing ice cream, drive-in movies, eating outside at your favorite fast food place, laying in the grass and looking at the stars, movie marathons, going to the baseball game, driving to a city and exploring — the possibilities are endless!
10. A whole lotta self-love
Take this hiatus from your normal grind to focus on YOU. Do the things you like to do with the people you like to be around. Figure out what it is that makes you most happy and remember that. If you can manage to truly have the best summer, you can likely hold on to those vibes and carry them into fall, winter and spring. If it doesn't make you happy, let it go because now is the time for smiles and sunshine, as cheesy as that may sound.
