10 Easy, Breezy (And Practically Free) Ways to Romanticize Your Summer

Photo by Kseniya Budko

When the trips are planned and the activities are plentiful, summer can be one of the most eventful and exciting times of the year. But what if you don’t have a vacation on the books? What if you don’t have any particular plans to pull you out of your routine? What if—instead of traveling— you’re trying to stick to a budget and enjoy this time of year as much as possible without turning green with envy at the friends and family charting off on international adventures or picturesque road trips?

If you’re looking to have a magical summer in the midst of the mundane, there are several (surprisingly simple) ways to do just that. The following are 10 affordable, low-effort ways to savor the sunlight and romanticize the summer season.

01 | Cloud gaze

It’s downright cathartic what a blanket spread on the ground during a picture perfect sunny day can do for you. If you have 20 minutes and no place to be, take some time to remember how refreshing it is to simply exist.

02 | Make a summer music playlist

Whether you’re in need of the perfect soundtrack to your morning commute or something to accompany you during the periodic cloud gazing sessions you’ve decided to gift yourself with, a seasonal playlist is absolutely underrated.

03 | Go on a book binge

Is there a particular series of novels you’ve been meaning to dive into? Maybe a beloved classic you’ve been meaning to tackle? Summertime grants us the opportunity to read outside, long into the evening hours just before the fireflies take flight—an enchanting experience you’re going to miss when winter rolls around again.

04 | Have a nostalgic movie night

While you’re perusing the shelves of your local public library to fuel your book binge, consider stopping by the DVD aisle. You’re likely to spot a long-forgotten film (or even television series) you once loved—or maybe just something you always meant to watch but never got around to. It might not feel exactly like browsing your long-gone local Blockbuster, but it’s going to feel pretty close. Pop some popcorn and add your favorite candy to make an event out of it.

05 | Exercise outside

Even if the “runner’s high” is baffling and incites nothing but misery for you—Or is this just me?—any sort of exercise you perform outside is going to elevate your experience. I’ve recently started practicing a combination of pilates and yoga outside (on that trusty blanket, of course) and it’s game-changing. I’m not just working my muscles; I'm tending to my body in the light of the sun and fresh air. 

06 | Keep a journal

Writing—and journaling in particular—is free therapy. Even if you don’t have an eventful summer planned, you might just be surprised what keeping a regular log of your thoughts, feelings, and everyday experiences can do for your mental health. This summer, I’m doing my best to ramble regularly with pen and paper while my children keep nature journals. They’re drawing and writing about the most interesting things they encounter outside; I’m waxing poetic about the almost-unbearably-long-checkout-line I just braved for household cleaning products and berries that can’t seem to stay in our fridge for more than 24 hours.

07 | Take regular walks

Just like journaling and exercising outside can benefit you holistically, the rhythm of regular walking can do the same. Whether you’re watching your neighborhood slowly change through the dog days of summer or you’re taking refuge in a favorite trail, the habit of moving your body and training your eyes to notice small changes can only benefit you. (Plus, this absolutely counts as outdoor exercise!)

08 | Actually hike

Taking the time to explore your local parks and nature preserves is one of the best ways you can take advantage of the lengthened daylight hours. Do a little research and make a bucket list of places to explore within a particular radius and watch how easy it is to discover a new favorite trail or a little-known waterfall.

09 | Picnic on the ground

While this one certainly takes a bit of preparation—especially if you have little ones in tow—it’s a long lost art that’s absolutely worth reviving. There is no substitute for indulging in fresh, seasonal fruit in the warmth of the sun. (And that faithful blanket comes through again!)

10 | Wear the dress

Don’t have anywhere particular to be but home or work or your usual errand destinations? That’s perfectly ok. You don’t need an occasion to wear the brightly colored sundress: You’re beautiful in it and it’s unbelievably comfortable on a stifling summer day.