Whenever you have free time, rather than Netflix, try some of these fun ways to make the most out of your day!
1. Catch the Sunrise
Start off the day by waking up early to watch the sunrise! The countless ‘overlooks’ on the Blue Ridge Parkway are excellent destinations to take in the view of the morning sun emerging from behind the mountains. Getting up early to greet the sun can help you gain more energy and begin the day in a positive light.
2. Practice Meditation
Meditation is a great way to practice self-care during your free time. Sitting still with your eyes closed may seem unnecessary, but this brief repose rejuvenates your mind, body, and soul in a very beneficial way. Focus on your breathing, and try to clear your mind. Think of this like a mental reset button!
3. Get Crafty
Arts & crafts provide enjoyable opportunities to express yourself! Start a watercolor painting, take up pottery, or stylize your favorite clothing. Not only will you be refining your artistic skills and hand-eye-coordination, but you will have a creative outlet for your emotions and experiences. Pinterest is a great tool for finding inspiration for your next craft!
4. Plant a Garden
It’s not too late to start a garden! It is such a wonderful feeling to watch your little babies grow until healthy plants. Gardening connects us with Mother Earth, provides nourishment, and teaches us valuable life lessons. A healthy garden requires hard work, love, and patience, skills that carry into our everyday life. Also, when you grow your own food, you help the planet and your budget!
5. Nurture Relationships
What good is time if you spend it all by yourself? When we connect with others, we’re able to reflect on ourselves and grow. Take a moment out of your day to reach out to a family member, nurture a friendship, or rekindle an old one. Visit, call, text, or if you really want to surprise someone, write and send them a letter!
6. Get Outdoors
Summer is the perfect time for going out and reconnecting with nature. Surround yourself with nature simply by going out for a walk in the park or a hike in the forest. There is no better way to take in the beautiful summer scenery than to be immersed in the great outdoors. Since daylight hours are longer in the summer, there is plenty of time to do a variety of exciting outdoor activities!
7. Discover New Methods of Healing
The rush of our daily schedules makes it easy to ignore the physical and emotional pressures put on us by life. Take time to relax by discovering new ways to relieve your body from stress or pain. You can spend the summer solstice getting rid of built-up tension with massage therapy or acupuncture. Here at Shoji, we offer a select number of massage options to put both your mind and body at ease.
8. Read a Book
When was the last time you read a book from start to finish? If it has been awhile, let’s change that! Reading is not just entertaining – it improves our vocabulary, lengthens our attention span, and expands our worldview. If you are on the go, pick up a book on tape! You may also have book clubs near you related to some of your favorite topics.
9. Host a Gathering
Invite friends and family to a gathering with a meal full of fresh ingredients from a local farmers market! You can quench your thirst by mixing up some herbal teas and flavored lemonades for everyone to enjoy. Pot lucks are also fun, when each of your guests brings an item to the gathering. Gatherings like these strengthen relationships and remind us of all of the positive things life has to offer.
10. Volunteer
Volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with and improve your community. If you don’t know where to start, reach out to your local city government or search on a volunteering opportunity database like VolunteerMatch. Not only does volunteering help your community, but it also improves your mood and sense of wellbeing.
What are some of your favorite ways to make the most out of your day?