7 Things to Do Before Summer Ends

The sun is shining, and the gentle breeze still feels like a warm, comfy blanket rather than an icy hand. Plants are still green, and the ocean waves still feel invitingly lovely. This, though, is slowly drawing to a close, and the end of summer is creeping up on us, beginning with hints of chilly air in the small hours of the night, and eventually blossoming into that first cold September day.

But there’s still time! Summer is simultaneously one of the most relaxing and motivating seasons, bringing people out to both lay in hammocks and exercise. Take advantage of it while it lasts—certain long-term activities, like weight-loss regimens, are best started in summer.

Don’t be left with autumn regrets! Check out these 7 things to do before summer ends and go enjoy the warm weather while it lasts.

Start That Exercise Regimen

For many people, exercising outdoors feels simpler, easier, and more natural than traveling to a gym—but only in the months when the weather is pleasantly warm and the day are long. With fall and winter come shorter days, the busy nature and heavy food of the major holidays, and, for some people, seasonal affective disorder, which can rob you of your motivation in the latter months.

Because of all of this, it’s far easier to establish good exercise routines in the summertime, and then carry on through the remainder of the year. The longer days allow us to have daylight time before and after work to exercise, and we’re not deterred by chill winds or a belly full of Thanksgiving leftovers.

This study found that exercisers simply enjoyed their routines more when training outdoors, as opposed to going to the gym, and were left with a greater sense of physical wellbeing afterward, and that they also tended to exercise for longer periods of time—all factors that can help motivate you to health.

It only takes a few weeks to form a habit, so begin exercising now, and you’ll form a routine that will last. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Start Eating Healthy

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It’s no secret that the majority of fresh fruits and vegetables are at their tastiest in the spring and summer—including antioxidant-packed blueberries, delicious peaches, and juicy tomatoes. The temperature is also a factor—we’re less likely to crave fatty or sugary foods when our body temperature is higher, making it easier to make healthy choices. If you want to begin forming good eating habits to go along with your new exercise routine, summer is the time to begin!

Everything is, of course, easier when it’s more pleasant—this is the key to why certain activities are easier to begin and maintain in the warmer months. With fresh fruit and vegetables being cheaper, more abundant, and often of better quality, healthy meals are all the easier to prepare in the summer.

Like your fitness routine, eating habits can be firmly established in as little as a few weeks—you’ll soon find yourself reaching for the blueberries rather than the chips. But it’s harder to begin when fresh fruit and veggies are more expensive and out of season. Start pursing health now, before the summer ends!

Enjoying the Water

One of the chief attractions of summer involves fun in the water, so don’t miss out on its unique splendors!

Now is the time to try snorkeling, where you’ll find some of the most unexpectedly beautiful sights as you gaze into the hidden depths. Or surfing, where you’ll learn to balance on a board and experience the thrill of riding a wave of water as it brings you back to shore. Or even head out to your local water theme park and have a great time flying through the twisting, turning water slides.

If you want something quieter and simpler, perhaps a day of fishing is more in order, or a calm journey by kayak down your favorite river.

There are also more fast-paced, exotic forms of water-based entertainment, like white water rafting, or even renting a Jetlev.

Whatever your tastes, once the weather begins to cool, outdoor bodies of water cool along with it, so unless you stick, exclusively, to the indoor YMCA swimming pool, you should go celebrate the remainder of summer with splash!

Go Camping

Nothing brings nature closer than camping in the summer. While there may be more bugs, summer camping doesn’t require the sheer weight of winter gear—camping feels freer and more natural. With more daylight hours and more of an impetus to get out of that hot tent and enjoy the air, camping in the summer encourages exploration and appreciation of what’s around you.

Most of the most beautiful aspects of the living plants and animals which surround us are in full view during this season, as well. There’s nothing like waking to the sounds of birds, the smell of earth and flower, and the sight of life in full bloom.

Hiking, at this time of year, can be very visually rewarding—with so many animals about, the chances of spotting an elegant deer or brightly colored bird or gorgeous fox are much higher. So enjoy nature while nature is at its best, and go camping while summer is still here.

Visit a Winery

One of the lesser-known benefits of summer is the availability of wineries for visits and picnics. Their idyllic expanses of aromatic, grape-laden vines and grassy fields are perfect for a romantic walk and meal, followed by a delicious wine tasting.

Wineries can be as simple as a small farm, or as expansive as a town. The Mount Hope Winery in Pennsylvania, for instance, has an entire reproduction medieval town attached to it, which hosts the year-round Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire—an extraordinary experience, to say the least.

Go early, particularly on the weekends. Speaking with the winemakers and learning the fascinating process of creating wine from the people who actually do the job is fascinating and enlightening. Ask questions of the staff, and interact and explore. Winemaking is an art, and you’ll be amongst the artists—why not take advantage?

Many wineries maintain reduced operating hours in the winter, so take advantage of their summer hours and plan out a day to visit while you can.

Enjoy Outdoor Gatherings

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One of the more social perks of summer is the ability to host large, outdoor gatherings. Take advantage of it!

Don’t just settle for a barbeque, either. Go all-out. Decorate. Have fun! Check out these fantastic outdoor summer event recipes, and pick a few out to make. Perhaps head over to the store and grab a few lanterns to string up for lovely ambiance. Set up an umbrella for a bit of shade, or bring the entire affair beneath the shade-providing leaves of the nearest trees.

A successful outdoor dinner party doesn’t require anything elaborate, however. The spirit of summer is one that is laid-back, and a mixed and matched set of dishes set across a few bare picnic tables suits the season just fine! Lay out those fresh fruits and vegetables we mentioned earlier and enjoy all the perks that summer has to offer. It won’t be around for much longer, so start planning now!

Dive Into a New Book

Reading is one of the most time-consuming, yet rewarding forms of entertainment, and there is no better time to begin than summer. With the fall and winter months dominated by holiday shopping, many people find themselves with the most free time in the summer. Take advantage of this!

Whether you’re lying on the beach, lounging on your porch, or relaxing on vacation, take a look at the current bestsellers—they’re selling well for a reason. Pick out a few books that interest you and get reading. You might just get introduced to your new favorite series.

Or, if you’re into self-improvement, delve into some learning, and brush up on your favorite hobby. Reading improves your vocabulary, increases your reading speed, and, overall, actually conveys information much faster than video, and with greater depth.

Use that extra time wisely—with the coming of fall, it’s likely to disappear, particularly if you’re in school.