10 PRODUCTIVE WAYS TO SPEND YOUR SUMMER AND FALL

Summer and fall don't have to be all about just relaxing to while away the time. You can spend them much more wisely and meaningfully. If you ask us, these are ten productive ways we think you should spend your summer and fall.

JOIN A BOOK CLUB

Your summer and fall could be great times to have some good reads. But sometimes, keeping up the pace becomes difficult. Boredom, laziness and disruptions are just a few of the things that can derail you. That is why you need to join a book club. Being in a group with set goals like reading a book every month and meeting to share insights and views keeps you on your toes.

The energy from others will spur you on to read. Find out from your community if there are any book clubs. With the pandemic, book clubs will most likely be organized virtually.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

With resources such as YouTube, there's so much to learn. Is there a particular skill or hobby that you find intriguing and have been longing to learn? Use your 

summer and fall to try your hands at it and perfect your craft. It could be anything from gardening, painting, cooking, origami, crocheting. And learning a new language, or a musical instrument, so long as it piques your interest. At the end of the day, you will find it rewarding to bag another skill apart from, perhaps, your Mavis Beacon typing skills.

TRAVEL

Travelling is the obvious way to spend your summer and fall, but how about doing it with some purpose. For instance, you can travel alone when you are on vacation to explore new destinations, gain new experiences and broaden your scope. Or during a long weekend, you can go on a road trip, go to the cottage or stay out at your cabin house in the countryside. You can also choose to travel 

to unplug. You will feel refreshed and recharged to take on the rest of the year. However, if you have a family, travelling with them while on vacation will be the perfect chance to spend quality time together. You will be able to bond more and create unforgettable memories of moments spent with them.

CLEAN YOUR HOME

Spring is gone but left in its wake all the dirt, debris and allergens (dust, mould and mildew) from blossoming plants in your home. Use your summer and fall to tidy up your space, from the garden to the living room. Cleaning after spring has a lot of health benefits. First off, it improves your immune system by keeping 

allergies at bay. The air becomes much cleaner, and you breathe better. Secondly, it keeps you mentally healthy since a tidy and more organized space is less depressing and stress-free. Thirdly, a decluttered space also prevents injury or accidents. 

TRY A NEW FITNESS REGIME

Your summer and fall are the best times to start a new fitness regime. You could use losing some weight or getting back in shape. You may not have the time to do all that when you are working. But while on vacation, you have all the time in the world to take a walk, hit the treadmill, go to the gym or go on a fitness diet. Or try some relaxation techniques like yoga. 

Besides, more time during your holiday means your body will also have more time to adjust to your new routine.

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE

How about trying something new and challenging this summer and fall? Testing your limits may not be the kind of fun you have in mind. But there are so many benefits to reap that you cannot afford to overlook. A challenge can help you discover things about yourself; strengths, interests and hidden talents. Besides, completing a challenge is a confidence booster that can affect other areas of your life - relationships, career, health, etc. Speaking of challenges, there are lots of things you can do. You can join charities to bike or run for a half a marathon to raise money, or try sports like paddle boarding, kayaking, sky diving, hunting and surfing.

So, what are you going to take a crack at this summer - climbing Everest?

DO SOMETHING OUTDOORSY

Are you a fan of the great outdoors? Then you'll find spending your holidays outdoors in the summer heat very exciting and energising.

Activities like hiking and camping can make you appreciate nature more and even give you a new perspective on life. In addition, you can go to the park or beach.

TRY THE ARTS

Theatres are now open, though with a minimum occupancy limit, you can go watch a play, opera or ballet. 

Trust us, it can be more fun, refreshing and healthier than bingeing an entire series on Netflix, Prime Video or HBO alone in your bedroom.

BE NEIGHBOURLY

Our busy schedules make it difficult to mingle even in our own neighbourhood. This summer and fall, when you are off work, take the time to get to know your neighbours. Show them what a good neighbour you are. Bake something for the other family next door, go over and say hi. Some neighbours may not warm

up to you immediately, but you would have known the names of one or two of them, for starters.

TRY NEW CUISINES

If you are a foodie, excite your taste buds during the vacation by trying out new cuisines. Browse the internet for some new restaurants especially, patio restaurants. Or you can do food truck festivals and ribs festivals. 

Don't go overboard, though. You don't want to end up getting allergies or increasing your calorie intake.

We hope your summer and fall are productive. Let us know which of these tips worked best for you. 

 

 

By Nana Ama Afoa Osae I Writer I GreatWonderful Team

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