End of the year, always a very sad sort of occasion as our friends graduate or move schools. However, we are not out of time and in fact, despite the limited amount of time we seem to have, you’re never too busy to squeeze in some of these enjoyable things:
1. Go for a jog/bike/walk
Summer is a great time to really appreciate what nature has to offer and get out of the basement and away from screens for a bit. So take 5-10 minutes to walk around the block or give your dog a stretch!
2. Catch a movie
It’s a bit more time consuming but if the clouds are out and you don’t feel like being, head down to the cheap theaters for a break!
3. Read a book
Seems like forever since you last did, eh? I know times get busy but if you’re like me, simply planning out when you want to finish the book by and scheduling the amount you have to read to achieve that goal puts it within reach. Discover or rediscover a new world!
4. Have some lemonade!
Not that difficult to make, and can be super relaxing during this time of year. Click here for an awesome recipe to make your own!
5. Take a nap
Yup. Sleeping is awesome and can be super refreshing if you’re trying to break up studying. So go for it. Set an alarm, close the curtains and take a snooze; give your mind the vacation it deserves.
6. Do some gardening!
The sun is out, flowers are beginning to come into bloom. Whether you live in an apartment or an acreage, there’s many different things you can do. If you’re tight on space, grab a plastic flowerpot from the dollar store or even a disposable coffee cup and some soil and some seeds. If you have more space, you can go into your backyard and plant, bringing some more colour to the environment 🙂
7. Have a spontaneous dance party
Socks + hardwood/slippery tile = a lot of fun. Turn up the music and just let your inner interpretive dancer come out! It’s fun although no one will be able to admire your skill (or in my case, lack thereof).
If it’s your first time I’d recommend anything from T Swift to Selena Gomez to Tinashe to The Weeknd. Just choose a tune, blast it loud and go for it!
8. Have a BBQ
If you don’t have one at your home, you can always go down to Fish Creek park or Elbow River to use theirs. Grab some marshmallows, chocolate and hot dogs and you’re set for an awesome evening! Invite your family and friends to enjoy the time together. Interesting recipe idea for a new twist on s’mores: Take store bought waffle ice cream cones and fill with chocolate chips and pieces of banana or strawberries (I like to add mini marshmallows) and wrap in tin foil. You can put the tin foiled cones on the BBQ or in the embers of the fire to melt the chocolate inside.
9. Karaoke
Break out the falsetto in the shower and just enjoy the incredible talent that you know you possess. Another fun idea is playing a game such as Jenga where the loser has to perform for everyone else (personally seen this in class before and would highly recommend).
10. Do some yoga
If craziness isn’t really your thing than this is perfect for you! Grab your computer and just some space and get in touch with yourself in a quiet and relaxing way. Yoga also helps you sleep at night and doing yoga before an exam is proven to help improve your scores! Click here for night time yoga video (only 10 minutes).
Featured image was taken by myself in the dog park just off the Glenmore Reservoir.