12 Ways to Make the Most of Summer 2022

While spring is the season of hope and promise, summer is the season of possibilities and potential. It’s when we go on family vacations, enjoy the great outdoors, and take advantage of warm weather while it lasts.

Unfortunately, few of us ever manage to make the most of summer. We talk a big game in May, dial back our ambitions in June, forget about them in July, and spend August complaining about how it’s too hot to do anything. The kids are back in school by the time September hits, and we’re content to continue this pattern for another year.

Not this time. With only a month to go before the official start of summer, let’s make an honest effort to follow through with our best hopes and dreams for a fantastic and fulfilling summer experience.

While not every idea is for everyone - and nobody is expecting you to do it all in one summer - the following are 12 great ways to make the most of summer 2022: 

Revitalize your outdoor living space

Like most homeowners, the only time you’re in your backyard is when you mow the lawn. Now’s the time to turn that greenspace into something you can enjoy. A shaded table and grill are enough to make a huge difference, but that’s just the beginning. If possible, install a pool. If practical, build a patio or porch. With so many ways to revitalize your outdoor living space, 2022 is the year to make it happen!

Host a backyard party 

Since your outdoor living space is looking better than ever, why not host a backyard party? Invite family and friends over to eat barbecue, play lawn games, and have good times outside. Besides, hosting summertime parties gives you a good reason to upgrade your wardrobe with a pair of flowy dresses and matching sandals. After all, the host of any party has an unspoken obligation to look their best.

Get into gardening

Have you always wanted to try your luck growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables? If there’s space available in your backyard, then go for it! With so many online gardening guides available for green-green thumbs, it’s never been easier. While not every plant is suitable for every climate, making mistakes is inevitable - a summer or two of practice will make perfect over time. You’ll never taste a tomato as fresh nor a clove of garlic as flavorful as those grown in your backyard.

Go for bike rides

We all had bikes as kids. But somewhere along the way - usually around the time we start driving - our beloved bicycles get sold at a garage sale, and we never bother to buy a replacement. Now that 20 years have passed - and the thrill of driving has lost its luster - it’s time to get yourself a new bike. Those skeptical about doing so will change their minds when they go for their first bike ride in decades. Just remember to wear a helmet! 

Explore a strange place

Most of us have our go-to vacation destinations we visit year after year. While there’s nothing wrong with that - especially if you own a vacation home there - it’s a wide world with so much to see and do. Why not take a break this summer and head somewhere strange and exciting? There’s no guarantee it will be as enjoyable as the familiar destination, but that’s part of the fun!

Attend a baseball game

It seems like summer should be the time of year when multiple professional sports are underway, yet in the United States, there’s only one: baseball. With 162 games in a single baseball season, there are plenty of opportunities to catch at least one ball game. Even if you think baseball is boring, a trip to the ballpark can be a fun and exciting event. Win or lose, the hot dog was delicious, and the beer ice cold!

See an outdoor play

Broadway isn’t the only place where one can enjoy professional stage productions. Virtually every city has some form of outdoor live theatre in summer. From Shakespeare in the Park to elaborate productions performed in outdoor amphitheaters, summer is a great time to take in a world-class live show or two.

Check out the state fair

When was the last time you went to a state fair? Probably when you were still a kid. With this in mind, consider attending your state fair this summer. While some state fairs are more elaborate and established than others, they all tend to include the same iconic attractions and novelties. They tend to run for a month or longer, giving you plenty of time to make the trip!

Go camping

Not everyone is cut out to thrive in the great outdoors. But that’s the beauty of camping - you get to experience a little taste of nature without swearing off civilization. Consider buying all the essential supplies - tent, sleeping bags, bug spray, etc. - and taking a weekend camping trip this summer.

Stay hydrated

Similar to sleep and diet, hydration is critical to our day-to-day well-being. Being dehydrated means, you’re more likely to feel anxious, confused, and tired. How will you make the most of summer if you feel terrible? The answer is simple: drink lots of water every day. Not soda, not juice, not wine: water! Bottled water, tap water, carbonated water - it doesn’t matter if you’re drinking enough to stay hydrated. Your mind, body, and spirit will be forever thankful, especially when spending the day out in the hot sun. 

Stay cool

Ask any police officer whether they prefer winter or summer, and most of them will say winter. Why? Because when temperatures rise, so does the crime rate. While sociologists and other academics can spend the next 20 years debating the precise nature of that correlation, common sense suggests it comes down to the way humans respond to hot and humid conditions. With this in mind, make a point to stay cool this summer. Pace yourself, dress appropriately, recognize the signs of heat-induced hysteria, and drink plenty of water!

Wear sunscreen

A lifetime of summer memories isn’t worth a skin cancer diagnosis. Whether you’re barbecuing, biking, gardening, or taking a walk, always apply sunscreen before going outside in the summer. Yes, it’s the kind of advice you get from your parents, but the words of elders are often words of wisdom.

Summer is almost here. Don’t let it come and go as usual. Take steps to make the most of summer. You’ll thank yourself later.