5 Fool-Proof Plans That Will Keep End Of Summer Blues at Bay
This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s summer editorial intern PJ Cunningham. Find him on Instagram at @peachycunningham. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
As July comes to a rapid close, it can feel like summer is almost over already. Sure, we still have August, but between back-to-school preparations, changes in weather and an overall dulling of summer spirit, one can be forgiven for forgetting that fall does not actually start until late September.
All hope is not lost, however! Even with only one month of ‘real’ summer left, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the remaining days. As a student and young developing professional, I understand how busy summer’s end can be. Finding ways to enjoy warm weather and days off in an efficient manner is not always easy, but getting creative and planning enriching activities within that schedule frame can be a great way to start.
Therefore, here are five plans that will make sure your end-of-summer blues becomes the end of ‘summer blues’.
1 book 1 week
While reading may seem like an activity better suited for colder months, opening a new book can be an incredibly fruitful activity, particularly as summer days get busier. Since books are portable, it is easy to read almost anywhere and everywhere. This is especially true when one factors in audiobooks, which are easily found on services such as Audible and libro.fm. Therefore, if you’re looking for a way to enjoy yourself this August as summer wanes, perhaps consider the one book a week challenge. While many try this challenge for a whole year, it might be extra interesting to try it just for the month of August. Perhaps it will become a summer favorite. I know I will be reading plenty more this month and hopefully, beyond!
Get outside!
Wow, an article telling me to get outside during the summer, how original!
Sure, we’ve heard it all before, but for good reason. While recent heat waves make the indoors seem like the best place to be this August, outdoors time is still essential for both physical and mental health. Whether it be cooling off at the local pool or hiking in any nearby protected forests and wetlands, getting outside is always a no-brainer in the summer. You’ll be in a cubicle, classroom, or another closed-in space soon anyways, so why not spend some time in the sand or the forests while the time is still right.
Personally, if weather and geography allow, I recommend some light to moderate hiking. It’s a great way to get back in touch with nature, get some exercise and fresh air and clear one’s mind.
Go on a day-trip to somewhere you’ve been wanting to go
The road trip is a quintessential aspect of any summer. There are few things better than traveling with friends, putting on a long-drive playlist and hitting the road. However, when life starts to ramp up in August, it can be difficult to plan and schedule a long-term group roadtrip.
Enter the day-trip. Small, short, destination oriented excursions to nearby hotspots is one way to capture the magic of the summer road trip while saving both time and money. Whether it’s simply spending a day out on your hometown or traveling to a nearby state, landmark or event, taking a one-day adventure is the perfect way to get out of dodge while still staying-in-sync.
Eat a good meal
Maybe the world’s not ending; maybe I just need a sandwich.
— heather b (@heatherbussing) May 26, 2023
Food never fails to make one feel better. In fact, it is central to your mood. Therefore, if you feel the impending sense of doom that accompanies thoughts of summer’s end, a good meal might be the antidote.
Now, there is no one recipe for successful summer recipes, but the one place to start is your stomach. It’s simple, if you crave something, you should try and either make it or perhaps find a restaurant that’s renowned for that specific dish. In the waning weeks of summer, there is no time for moderation or ignorance of craving and palette.
Furthermore, food can bring us all together. Hosting a dinner party for friends, inviting loved ones to lunch, or even just making yourself a sandwich are good ways to enjoy some summer free-time with a gourmet twist. Whether you come up with your own new meal ideas, find the perfect restaurant, or pick one off an online or cookbook listing, some good food can satisfy your hunger for end of summer blues prevention.
Check your community bulletin
This one is a bit less straightforward, so allow me to explain.
Local communities, whether they be in smaller towns or neighborhoods, usually put on, sponsor, or advertise many different types of events during the summer. This can range from literal paper flyers (remember those?) on community center or coffee shop bulletin boards to digitized same-day event listings on apps like Todaytix and Groupon.
However, for authenticity, accessibility and affordability, I suggest sticking with local neighborhood or town publications and posts. Even flyers on bulletin boards can be a great way to find out about fun local events, from music and art to farmer’s markets and local sports. In an era where our summers are increasingly spent on our phones, connecting with the local community isn’t just a good way to have fun, but a good way to live more presently.
I highly recommend it!
So there you have it. Now, the end-of-summer blues should seem a distant memory as you plan out an amazing August, filled with reading, the outdoors, exciting day-trips, good food and local flair. Trust me, you’ll forget summer is even supposed to be ending. Now get out there!
What do you do to get rid of the end of summer blues? Let us know in the comments below!