To log off is a luxury, and with the hasty days of summer, there’s no better time to take a break from your phone than now. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t feel that summer goes by too fast. Is that frenzied sense that the season always feels too short relatable for most (or is it just those of us in the climates where it’s colder longer than it’s warmer)? From spring solstice to autumn equinox there are 93 days, but summer feels much shorter than that.
As I wrote at the beginning of this year,
Capitalism thrives on endless growth and consumption, so we live in a world that tells us our worth is measured by our productivity. In a culture where the message is that we must always be doing something, it is a radical act to do nothing.
I know I find myself feeling the pressure to optimize my days in summer, but there is magic in the mundane too. The conversations I’ve been having with my friends about this summer are more along the lines of “Iess plans, more chill.” And while I hope these ideas help inspire you to stay off your phone, I also want to leave you with the recognition that sometimes the best thing to do is nothing. Happy summer friends.
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Read this and then cancel Amazon Prime (sorry it’s Prime week and the ads are out of control, it needed to be said).
Borrow a cookbook from the library: A fun way to discover new recipes. I love paging through a cookbook for inspiration.
Keep a small notebook in your bag: One of the best ways to stay off your phone if you find yourself with some time. The perfect replacement for scrolling.
Lounge in a hammock or comfy chair outside: and do nothing 😉 (or read a book which is just as delightful).
Take a beach walk and look for shells and rocks: We love finding heart rocks.
Delete your Instagram: 11/10 recommend, even if it’s only for the weekend.
Go to the library: Great spot to cool down on a hot day and borrow some books while you’re at it.
Listen to records: If you don’t have a record player your favorite playlist on a bluetooth speaker is great too.
Take a pottery class: I took a hand building class thinking I wasn’t going to like pottery and I loved it. It’s very meditative and requires deep focus which is an excellent way to be off your phone.
Go for a nature walk: Find some woods or a trail system and go explore. If you can’t leave your phone behind, just turn it off or put it on silent mode. Added fun, make it a night hike when there’s a full moon.
Lettuce, herbs, and tomatoes all do great in pots.
Get coffee with a friend: Or make coffee to go, and meet up somewhere.
Go for a swim: It can be a pool, lake, pond, ocean, river, find yourself a body of water and dive in. One of my favorite summer activities.
Plant something: If you are limited on space you can use planters. We grow a lot of lettuce and herbs in pots and they do really well.
Go for a bike ride: I love being on a bike in the summer.
Declutter a drawer: Real low stakes, satisfying ending.
Clean your car: Or get your kids to do it 😂 But seriously so satisfying to have a clean car, even if it only lasts 24 hours.
Read a book outside: Just add a cold, refreshing drink 😁
Play cards: We’ve been on a big UNO kick lately but there are so many fun card games to play (War, Spoons, Crazy Eights, Old Maid, Go Fish). What am I missing?
Visit a farmer’s market: Farmer’s markets in the summer are a dream. ☺
Go for a picnic: Pack up snacks and bring them to the park, beach, or even your backyard.
Volunteer: A great way to feel more connected to your community and yourself.
Bird watch: Birds are everywhere, you just have to look. Go to the thrift store: If you feel like shopping it’s the perfect way to scratch the itch.
Have a 90s movie night: If you want to watch a movie with actors who look like actual people, do yourself a favor and watch a movie from the 90s. We’ve been on a major 90s movie kick lately and this list is reminding me there are so many good ones that deserve a rewatch. Here’s a kid-specific list too.
Go for a canoe/kayak/SUP: Enjoy some time on the water in a canoe or kayak or go for a paddle on a SUP. Even more fun with friends.
Preferred mode of transport on the lake.
Host a dinner party: Doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Keep it low key, low stress and do it for the good hang.
Go to an outdoor concert: If you’re in or near Woodstock there is a ton of free live music all summer long. And if you’re not, I’d guess there’s probably something near you too!
Play Mexican train: Craig introduced me to the world of Mexican train. It’s so fun and can be played with young kids.
Go to a yoga class: Or try any class that interests you, and bring a friend if that’s a good motivator. If you’re in or near Woodstock, check out Yoga in the Flowers.
Do a puzzle: Always fun to leave one out and work on it as you can. Lake house vibes, but no actual lake house required.
Live music, local food, outside, on a farm. What else do you need?
Read a newspaper or magazine: Love a morning with the New Yorker.
Go to the beach: My happy place. 😊
Watch the sunrise: If you’re an early bird
Watch the sunset: If you’re a night owl, or really if you go to bed later than 8:30pm, lol.
Play tennis (or pickleball): Pickleball is easier to learn if you’re a newbie. I am definitely planning on going to some tennis clinics this summer.
Read a book of poems: If you need a few ideas I love Mary Oliver, Rupi Kaur, Kate Baer, Shel Silverstein, Maya Angelou, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Emily Dickinson.
Worth the 5am wake-up.
Paint with watercolors: One of my favorite mediums because it’s so forgiving and if a blank canvas scares you, try a watercolor workbook.
Reorganize a closet: A not too overwhelming but satisfying home project.
Learn how to knit or start a new knitting project: One of my favorite hobbies 😉
Visit a local bookstore: Such a treat.
Plan a day trip to somewhere new: The journey is the reward 🥰 (even better if there’s no cell service 😂)
How are you staying present and savoring the summer season?
Walking down to my local bookstore is one of my favorite things on a summer day, or any day really.