Beat the Heat and the Boredom: How Your Calendar Can Become Your Summer BFF

The sun is high, the days are long, and the summer haze hangs heavy in the air. In other words, we’re in the middle of the “Dog Days.” And while the heat might be relentless, you don’t need to stay cooped up in the AC.

Instead, here’s your chance to enjoy summer to the fullest. However, it can be easy to let these precious days slip by with work schedules, family commitments, and all the things you have to do.

The secret weapon to maximizing summertime adventures? Your calendar.

Plan Early for Peak Experiences

• Block out “sunshine time.” Schedule specific times for outdoor activities in your calendar. Just like you would schedule an appointment, schedule some “sunshine time” blocks for a morning walk on the beach, an afternoon picnic in the park, or an evening stargazing.
• Themed days. Make your week more fun with preplanned activities. You can keep things exciting and have some spontaneous fun in the park by scheduling things like “Movie in the Park Mondays,” “Watermelon Wednesdays,” or “Frisbee Fridays.”
• Snag those weekend warriors. Nothing is better than an outdoor movie, a concert, or a festival during the summer. Check out these events in advance and mark them on your calendar when they go on sale. You can also find free or low-cost events at local libraries or community centers.

Early Bird Gets the Fun

There is something magical about summer mornings. The air is crisp, the sun is gentle, and the day is full of possibilities before you. You can make the most of those golden hours by doing the following:

• Greet the sunrise. Enjoy a clear view of the horizon from a hilltop, park, or beach, and watch the pink, orange, and purple streaks appear in the sky.
• Have breakfast al fresco. Listen to birds chirping in the background as you sip your coffee and eat your breakfast.
• Go for a walk or bike ride. Mornings are great for exercising outside because of the cooler temperatures and beating sun. You’ll likely have the paths or streets mostly to yourself, and you’ll be back home before the day heats up.
• Do some yoga or meditation in the garden. The peace and quiet of the morning are perfect for focusing and moving your body.
• Start a garden project. When plants are perked up in the morning, and the soil is moist, you can tend to your garden.

Embrace the Cool of the Night

During the day, temperatures can be scorching hot, but they are refreshingly cool at night. The gentle breeze and lower temperatures make the environment perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Take advantage of the serenity and embrace the cool of the night by doing the following:

• Have a bonfire in your backyard. Enjoy the warmth of the fire while roasting marshmallows and telling stories.
• Go for a walk on the beach at sunset. A walk along the beach is usually more enjoyable at night because the beach is less crowded and the temperatures are cooler. As you listen to the waves and watch the stars, you can also enjoy the sound of the waves.
• Play games. Cornhole, ladder toss, and frisbee are just a few great outdoor games you can play after dark.
• Go stargazing. Place a blanket on the ground in a dark area with minimal light pollution. Even without a telescope, you can see a lot of stars and planets.
• Twilight dinners. Dining outside during the day can be difficult due to the heat. Consider eating al fresco on your patio, balcony, or rooftop restaurant on a warm evening.
• Movie nights under the stars. Turn your backyard into a cozy outdoor cinema with blankets, popcorn, and a projector (or even a laptop). Bring your friends and family together for a truly memorable summer night. As an alternative, drive-in movies are a classic summer activity. The drive-in movie theater is pretty standard, so you can enjoy a movie under the stars in your car.

Beat the Heat with Watery Fun

Keep physically active by participating in watery activities such as swimming, water aerobics, or water sports. Besides cooling the body in hot weather, these activities can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility by providing a low-impact workout.

• Pool parties and BBQs. Get together with friends and family for a pool party or barbecue. It’s the perfect way to cool off, laugh, and make summer memories.
• Take a trip to the beach (or your local watering hole). Visit the beach or a nearby lake for a day trip. Don’t forget your sunscreen, a picnic basket, and your swimsuit.
• Water fun extravaganza. Spend a weekend enjoying water activities. Plenty of fun activities to add to your calendar, like kayaking, paddleboarding, and splashing around at local splash pads.
• Sprinkler spectacle. Set up a sprinkler playdate with the kids — or yourself, we won’t judge!

Chill at Home

There are many benefits to staying at home during the summer. Besides enjoying your own space, you can avoid crowded tourist destinations and save money on travel expenses. In addition, you can choose activities that bring you joy and relaxation according to your schedule.

• Schedule “staycation” days. Block out entire days to give yourself the gift of pure relaxation. You can read, relax at home, or simply nap in a hammock.
• Movie marathon mayhem. Schedule a themed movie marathon with refreshing snacks. A classic summer adventure flick or a poolside romcom is perfect for a summer night.
• Learn a new skill. Consider taking an online cooking course, learning to paint, or taking on that DIY project you’ve meant to do. Don’t let those lazy afternoons pass you by without investing in yourself.
• DIY craft corner. Schedule some time for crafting. Try making some tee shirts by tie-dyeing them or using popsicle sticks to make picture frames for summer memories.
• Unplug and recharge. Dedicate specific times in your calendar to disconnect from technology. Go for a walk in nature, listen to music, or simply sit back and enjoy the peace.

Calendar with a Crowd

There is something unique and vibrant about attending events with a crowd that can enhance your overall experience. When surrounded by like-minded individuals, a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm makes the event more enjoyable. In addition, being part of a crowd can provide opportunities for networking, meeting new people, and strengthening community ties.

• Group gatherings. Are you planning a pool party, barbecue, or attending a concert or baseball game? Send invitations, track RSVPs, and share game and activity schedules using your calendar.
• Volunteer together. By organizing volunteer outings with friends or family, you can make a difference in your community and interact with others.

Bonus Tips

• Beat the heat prep. Don’t forget to stock up on sunscreen, water bottles, and healthy summer snacks with your calendar.
• Don’t forget the flexibility. It’s all about spontaneity in the summer! As such, you should leave room in your calendar for last-minute invitations and unexpected excursions.

Using your calendar as a summer fun roadmap, you can ensure these lazy summer days are filled with vibrant experiences, not regrets. Make the most of the Dog Days by scheduling them in your calendar, embracing the sunshine, and enjoying it!

FAQs

What are the Dog Days of Summer?

The “dog days of summer” refer to summer’s hot, humid days. Their history goes back thousands of years to the Roman Empire. This refers to the dates of July 03 to August 11, which are 20 days before and 20 days after the rising and setting of Sirius synchronized with the sun.

How can my calendar help me enjoy this time?

You can maximize summer fun with your calendar! Listed below are some ideas:

• Plan outdoor adventures. During cooler mornings or evenings, make time for hikes, swimming, picnics, or anything else that gets you outside.
• Schedule water activities. With friends, plan kayaking trips, paddle-boarding sessions, or simply relax by the pool.
• Block out “staycation” days. Consider scheduling mini-adventures around town if you can’t take a big trip, such as visiting museums, exploring local parks, or trying out a new restaurant.
• Themed weekends. You can also organize a game night with friends, a movie marathon under the stars, or a backyard campout under the stars.
• Pencil in afternoon siestas. Take a cue from our siesta-loving friends around the world. Throughout the day, take a short afternoon nap to keep yourself cool and energized.
• Beat the heat. Visit a museum, watch a movie, or visit the library during the hottest part of the day.

Are there any tips for using my calendar effectively?

• Color-code your plans. Use different colors for relaxation, adventures, or social events for a quick visual guide.
• Set recurring reminders. You can set up weekly movie nights or ice cream truck dates in the summer.
• Sync your calendar with friends and family. Make sure your vacation schedule does not overlap with other outings.
• Leave room for spontaneity. Make sure you have some free slots available for impromptu adventures.

Anything else I can do with my calendar?

• Track summer bucket list items. Every week, set a goal for how many activities you will complete.
• Schedule time to learn a new summer skill. You can do many outdoor activities, such as grilling, gardening, and surfing.
• Plan for rainy days. If bad weather is expected, plan to play indoor games, make crafts, or watch movies.

Image Credit: Perfecto Capucine; Pexels