It’s August, and that means summer is coming to an end. There are still a few weeks left, so let’s talk 5 things to do before summer ends.
Go to the farmer’s market
In my opinion, farmers markets are one of the best things about summer. There’s still time to head to your local farmers market, or even the supermarket, and pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables. Eating seasonally is good for many reasons. For one, it’s often cheaper, as seasonal food is more abundant (supply and demand). It’s also healthier. The food is fresher, fully ripe, and has more antioxidants. Eating seasonally also helps to prepare your body for the season, for example more hydrating foods, like cucumber and watermelon, come to season in the summer when that is important. Cucumber, watermelon, bell peppers, avocados, chard, cherries, grapes, and strawberries are among the many seasonal fruits and vegetables available during the dog days of summer. You can see a full list here.
Outdoor movie
You’ve seen all the summer blockbusters, but what about watching an old favorite . . . outdoors? Many communities have outdoor movie nights, often free; or you can set up your own outdoor movie night with a projector and a white sheet. Pack your favorite snacks, some pillows and blankets,and get cozy with friends or loved ones. Just don’t forget the bug repellent.
Do some Stargazing
What better time to stargaze than the dog days of summer? Dog days of summer is so named because the dog star Sirius is rising in the horizon (in the northern hemisphere at least) and is, therefore, associated with the summer heat. This August, there will be a lot of action in the sky, particularly if you live in the U.S. where 14 states will witness a total eclipse of the sun on August 21st. This is exciting because it has been 99 years since North America has been in the path of a solar eclipse. Besides the eclipse, there is also a meteor shower taking place between July 23rd through August 23rd, though the peak (with almost 80-100 meteors per hour) is set to happen between August 12-13. This yearly shower occurs as the earth passes through the 109P/Swift-Tuttle comet’s tail. It can be seen anywhere in the northern hemisphere.
Unplug
Been Instagramming away your summer vacay, or tweeting late-night thoughts? Give your overloaded brain a break. Unplug for a day or two. Life isn’t always about sharing the moment, life is about enjoying the moments, especially when those moments are rapidly transforming into memories. So unplug. Soak up the warm tranquility of summer. Your brain will thank you for it.
Read (or listen to) a book
If you’re an INTJ, I’m sure that reading was already on your summer to-do list, but, then again, does this activity really ever come off the to-do list? Before summer ends, pour yourself a glass of your favorite liquid refreshment, grab your sunscreen and a good summer hat, find a quiet spot outside to relax, and try to finish a book in one go. Always Uttori does a monthly reading list. If you missed it, see our list below. Check it out if you’re in need of a good book!
What’s on your summer bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!