From making a peach cobbler to reading a book, make every last warm day count with these fun activities.
Labor Day may be the unofficial end of summer, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Before the cooler weather gets here, make sure to get outside, spend time with the people (and pets!) you love, and create some lasting summer memories.
1 of 10 Soak up the sun
Take time out of your day to sit in the sunshine. The Mayo Clinic says direct sunlight can give us vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones, muscle function, brain cell activity, and supporting your immune system. And according to Healthline, sunlight can cause the brain to produce serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that boosts your mood and helps you concentrate. Just be sure to use plenty of sunscreen!
With lighter schedules, summer can be a great time to slow down and enjoy a good book. If you can’t commit to finishing full book, try reading some short stories or a collection of poems. Books are a great way to broaden your mind and escape into a different world, even for just a few minutes. Reading an actual paper book can also give you a chance to take a break from your screens. According to Healthline, reading a book can actually improve brain activity, help you prepare for sleep, and lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
Summer brings with it warm weather, luscious plant life, and active wildlife. Make spending time in nature part of your summer plans. Go on a hike, head to the beach, walk around a public park, or watch the sunset. If you can’t get out into nature, try bringing the nature to you. Set up a birdfeeder in your yard or start a window box filled with your favorite plants. Even stepping outside for a few minutes can boost your mood and help you appreciate God’s glorious creations all around you.
Spending time with your pets is a good idea all year long, but summer offers the opportunity for long leisurely walks with your dog. You may also have more time to play with your cat and their favorite toy or enjoy a peaceful moment watching your fish swim around. Time with animals can help ease anxiety and remind you to slow down. And did you know playing with your pets can have a positive impact on your health—both physically and mentally? The American Heart Association says pet owners are more likely to have lower blood pressure.
The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of your gardening. Did you know that in some regions autumn can be an opportune time for planting? Use this time to grow some flowers that traditionally do well in fall weather, such as chrysanthemums, pansies, black-eyed Susans, and celosia. Plant them in vibrant fall colors like red, orange, and yellow so you can decorate your home in the autumn season. This can also be a great time to grow some late-season vegetables, like cucumbers, tomatoes, or eggplants.
Head outside to watch our favorite feathered friends before they head South for the winter. Birdwatching is an easy way to spend time outside and take your mind off the hustle and bustle of the day to day. It can be as easy as looking out the window or stepping onto your porch. Make the experience more fun by using some binoculars. You can use a book about birds or the internet to learn about different kinds of birds and their calls. Ask friends to join you for a fun and social outdoor activity.
Sometimes it feels like the Christmas season cannot get here fast enough. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping so you are less stressed when December rolls around. Talk with friends and family now about things they want or need, so when you give it to them it comes as a huge surprise! Do some online shopping so you can be sure your gifts arrive on time. . Early Christmas shopping can get you in the mood and open your heart to the spirit of giving.
Did you know that in many parts of the country, peach season extends into September? Now is the perfect time to enjoy this favorite summertime fruit. Try some new recipes, like a peach and blueberry cobbler, homemade peach ice cream, or a green beans and grilled peach salad. Make jam or can the peaches so you can enjoy those late summer peaches all year long.
With fall and winter looming, you’ll be spending more time inside. Now is the time to make your home as comfortable as possible. Donate those old summer clothes that you never wore. Give away those summer books you already read. Purchase some containers to store away your summer gear for next year. Just remember to take it one room at a time and go slowly so you don’t get overwhelmed. There’s still plenty of time for decluttering in the fall and winter.
Use these last days of summer to spend some time with God, before our busy fall and winter schedules. Step outside into the sunshine and pray to God, thanking Him for the wonderful days He has given you. Reminisce over your favorite moments this summer and see all the ways that God was there with you. Take stock of the lessons you learned, the things you want to get better at, and the memories you want to keep forever.
