If you feel like the magic of summer is lost on you, then it’s time to learn how to reclaim your summer. In the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, it’s easy to lose the joy of the hot season. When your work schedule doesn’t coincide with the seasons, you need to be intentional about enjoying your summer, even if you’re short on time. Here are five ways to do just that.

1. Reclaim Your Summer: Hit The Shore

There’s nothing more summery than spending a day on the water. Whether you Airbnb at a lakeside cabin or book a vacation at one of many North Carolina coast rentals, spending time with sunshine and waves can do a world of good for your mental and emotional health.

2. Keep It Cool

A surefire way to bring back the charm of summer from your childhood is to find the perfect blend of hot and cold. Nothing is more refreshing than eating popsicles outside on a hot day or hitting the pool. Likewise, if you love fruits, you should try refrigerating a melon and then eating it. The cool, sweet and juicy flavors will definitely help reclaim the summer spirit.

3. Go Explore

With summer often comes an explosion of outdoor activity. From barbecues with your family and friends to stargazing and even road trips, there is no shortage of things to do during the hot season! Start by exploring your very own town. You’ll be surprised to learn about the many interesting things that happened and their historical significance.

Then you could shop at the outdoor market, or go on a mini trip to an amusement park. This will help you get in touch with the vibe of the town, which, in turn, will help you feel the summer spirit more intensely. Taking some time to explore can help you wind down from your daytime adult responsibilities, and can give you that nostalgic feeling that makes it all worth it.

4. Take An Adventure

Summer is also a great opportunity to take an adventure in the great outdoors. Unlike any other season, summer literally opens us thousand of things to do, one more magical than the other. For example, if you’re into sports and adventure, you can go hiking, kayaking, or camping. Find a way to explore the outdoors, even if you can only do so on the weekends. Get your adrenaline going!

5. Learn To Cook

With a wider variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available in the summer months, healthy eating is a lot easier. This is the perfect time to brush up on those cooking skills and learn how to make something new. Whether in the form of a quick and easy shake or a more complex meal, summer is the time for healthy eating. Cooking new things is also the perfect opportunity to invite friends over, or even impress a potential date.

Summer is the best season for an impossibly large number of activities. This opens up a lot of possibilities and adventures for you to try. Follow our five tips to boost the summer spirit, or simply follow your own inclinations in order to reclaim your summer. After all, you shouldn’t let adulthood with all its responsibilities ruin your summer. Simply follow the tips above and you’ll be surprised to learn that summer can be just as exciting as an adult as it was in grade school!