With summer just beginning, we’re almost certain that you’re ready to dive into the deep end of the pool, leaving your schoolwork in the rearview mirror. While you may still have your day job to worry about, that doesn’t mean you can’t let loose a little bit on the weeknights and weekends. Summer and beautiful weather only come around once a year, so don’t forget to cherish it and enjoy it while it’s around. Once winter gets here, you’re going to be bummed if you missed out on all the summer fun! 

However, while summer is fun and exciting, you may want to take a moment to prepare beforehand. Do you have enough clothes, do you own a good bottle of sunscreen? 

Go Clothes Shopping 

The best way to get in the summer spirit is to pick up some new summer clothes. With new trends coming out each and every year, there are always new clothes to purchase. Of course, you probably don’t need to redo your entire wardrobe, but adding in a few new pieces is always a great way to get into the mood. 

After all, the best way to ring in the new summer season is with a new bathing suit, right? 

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen 

One of the most important things for your summer is sunscreen. If you don’t wear sunscreen when you’re out, whether you’re at the beach or walking around town, you’re bound to get a burn. A sunburn is a great way to put a damper on your summer activities while also putting your skin at risk for damage. 

If you’re looking to get a tan, try doing it the safe way. The safest way to tan is with tanning lotion or spray-on tanning machines. Tanning from the sun and tanning beds can be incredibly dangerous. 

Bring a Friend (Not All the Time) 

The summer is so much more fun when you have friends in tow. Gather a group of your best friends and make plans to take on the summer together. While having a friend along for the ride is definitely the best move, make sure to plan some solo getaways for yourself. 

If you’ve never been to the beach by yourself or hiked a trail with just your thoughts, 2021 is the year to get it done. Taking yourself out on a date can be meditative and relaxing, so be sure to try it once or twice this summer. 

Discover New Music

There’s nothing better than finding the perfect song to sing on your way to the beach, all the windows down, the wind in your hair, absolutely screaming along. The best way to experience summer is with a killer playlist or a great CD. Try out the beach boys all summer long cd if you’re looking for some classic vibes to amp up your trip. 

One of the best ways to make a new playlist is to get together with your friends and share your favorite songs. Making a playlist as a group is the best way to enjoy it as a group as well. The best part about playlists is that you can give them fun names, like “Songs to Listen to While Margarita Drunk”. 

Try Out a New Makeup Look

When summer starts to come around, a lot of brands are prepared to release new collections. You’re bound to find some summer-themed eyeshadow palettes with bright colors and fun glitters. Not only that, but lipglosses, bright blushes, and more are all more common in the summer months. 

Whether you’re going to a festival or hitting the beach, the summer is a great time to try out a new makeup look. One of the cutest, most popular summer looks this year involves painting your face with flowers using different colored eyeliner pens. 

Another fun option is the rainbow look, where you can use multiple bright-colored eye shadows to accomplish something absolutely stunning. You’ll be the talk of the bar, but you might want to practice your look a few times before you go out, just to make sure it’s perfect. 

Find a Good Book

There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on the beach under an umbrella with a good book. On the hottest days, you may even opt to stay inside with your air conditioning, curled up on the couch with a book that you can’t put down, and that’s okay too.

Whether you’re looking for a heart-clenching drama or a thrilling psychological crime story, you should always have a good book stored away in your beach bag or travel kit. You never know when you’re going to find a nice place to escape to another world. Here are some of the best reads for the summer of 2021: 

• The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

• Islands of Abandonment: Nature Rebounding in the Post-Human Landscape by Cal Flyn 

• Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang

• Appleseed by Matt Bell

• Wayward by Dana Spiotta

• This is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan 

• The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix

Don’t Forget Self-Care

Summer is the time to adventure and travel, and while those things are fun, they can also be exhausting, so it’s important to check in with yourself from time to time. Think about how you’re doing mentally and plan plenty of time for self-care. Get a bikini wax (or try laser hair removal), get your hair done, or get a manicure. There are so many ways to treat yourself over the course of summer. 

However, you don’t have to pay money to experience self-care. Staying at home or even canceling plans can be self-care. Just remember to think about yourself and your mental health over the course of the season. Try not to burn yourself out with too many plans. 

Make Plans and Goals 

A good summer is also a well-planned one. Get in touch with your best friends (or your main group chat) and get some ideas rolling for this summer. While some of the best plans happen spontaneously, it’s good to have some things set in stone as well. 

It’s also a great idea to have goals in mind for your summer. Is there anything you’re hoping to accomplish? Do you want to read at least five books, or make some new friends? Whatever it is you want, you should write it down and work toward it over the course of the season. Having goals that are written down is a great way to motivate yourself. 

Be Prepared to Try Something New

The summer is also a great time to get out there and try something new. Try something that always scared you, or go to a restaurant that you’ve been dying to try. There are so many new things out there for you, so get to planning. Here are some fun activities you can try this summer if you’re looking to try something new: 

• Cliff jumping

• Sky diving 

• Bungy jumping 

• Snorkeling 

• Scuba diving 

• Traveling 

Enjoy Your Amazing Summer 

With all of your preparation and planning, you’re bound to enjoy your summer this year. You’ve got new clothes, the soundtrack of the summer, and a ton of good friends by your side, what could possibly go wrong? Here’s to summer 2021, we hope you enjoy it.