5 Things To Do This Summer

Happy Summer Solstice!  Today is the longest day of the year and tonight is the shortest night of the year. 

It’s been a strange year so far but I have a few suggestions to help you connect with nature during the summer season! 

The first two may not be readily available if you live in a city, but the last three should be possible regardless of where you live.

Find a swimming hole. 

It’s hot out and cooling down in some cold water is heavenly when you're always hot.  This map by Outly is a great resource for locating a swimming hole in your area.

Unfortunately, there is not a spot for every state even though your state probably has great nature spots to swim in.  If you know of one, sign up for free on their website and add it!  The next person from your state will thank you 🙂

Stargaze.

Similar to watching the sunrise, stargazing fosters a feeling of peace and is a reminder that we are all connected to each other and this universe. 

On a clear night use a book like this and identify constellations with a loved one!

Make Sun Tea. 

Use the power of the sun to slow steep herbs or tea bags.  I love to just add a mishmash of herbs, a bit of honey, and see how it turns out, but you can always use a recipe. You can use any herbs or tea to make sun tea.
Use 8 bags of your favorite tea per 1 gallon of water or the equivalent in loose herbs. Feel free to adjust this ratio as you see fit.

Note: There are concerns that this is not a safe practice.  The risks are relatively low, but if you are concerned, opt for an entirely cold-brewed tea done overnight in the refrigerator or make tea with water heated on the stove as normal.  You’re encouraged to do your own research.

Do some urban foraging. 

Or remote foraging if that is readily available to you.

There are some great books on urban foraging.  here’s one to get you started and curious.

Get up super early and watch the sunrise.

I looove sunsets, but one must put in a bit more effort to watch a sunrise regardless if you are a morning person or not.

Witness the awakening of birds, the gradual changes of light over the land.

Do you have a favorite spot free of obstructions in the sky?  If not now is maybe the time to find a spot looking towards the east.

Celebrate the Summer

All of these suggestions can be done with social distancing in mind, but they will more fun with a loved one with whom you are social distancing with.

Let me know if you have tried any of these and I wish you a wonderful summer season!