10 MUST DO THINGS BEFORE SUMMER ENDS

Beach with large rock and an umbrella chair on the sand, aggiestrong logo

Have you noticed that we have had little or no summer weather this year? I can practically count the number of really warm, sunny summer days on my fingers.  But I guess we have to be thankful. According to the Toronto Metro, this has been the first smog-free summer we’ve had.  Well, with only a few short days left to the “unofficial” end of summer, I have to say, summer was M.I.A (missing in action) this year with only a few short days of heat and yes, humidity.

For the most part, summer runs from the last week of May, following the Victoria Day/Memorial Day long weekend (in Canada and America), and spans over to the first week of September which is the Labour Day long weekend; and also the last weekend before back-to-school. However, seasonally, summer officially begins on June 21^st (my daughter’s birthday and sometimes father’s day) and spans to September 22.  Summer is a time for freedom, fun, and flirtiness —an opportunity to bear it all, so to speak.  

With that said, I have come up with a list of 10 things you MUST do to take advantage of these, hopefully, remaining warm days of the summer, 2014. These activities encourage spending time outdoors with nature, community integration and family unity for a sense of balance and well-being; instead of wasting time inside getting polluted with air conditioning and television.  So by my calculation, in no particular order, here’s to the “unofficial” final week of summer:

1.              Go to the EX! 

The Ex is Canada’s National Exhibition that runs from August 15 to September 1. Here you get to ride at the amusement park, try exotic foods, shop local and national vendors, watch the air show and see art exhibits all in one place. Not to mention nightly fireworks.  It is fun for the entire family and the best way to “cap off” the summer and excite the senses. 

2.              Go see Shakespeare in the Park! 

This has become very popular in recent years. Check your community events listing for where and when. It is a great way to get out of the house and socialize with your community. You will help local actors/actresses earn a living and get established.  At the same time, you will get the benefits of great poetry and live acting for little or nothing. It is also a great feeling to support and give back to your local community.  Toronto and Brampton

3.              Walk barefoot on the beach while watching the sunset. 

This is a fun, free and healthy way to tone your thighs and calves while massaging and exfoliating your heels! What better way to treat your senses and enjoy one of life’s simple pleasure? Did I mention that it is also relaxing and can improve blood flow and circulation? Don’t forget to collect your seashells to add to your home décor. (smile). Oh, Wait! Be sure to dip those feet into the ocean. The mineral from the sea/lake water is said to prevent aging!

4.              Have a family picnic in the park

This can be one of the most joyful ways of reducing stress and reconnecting with your family and Mother Nature.  Bring a large blanket to spread on the grass and begin to pig out with your bare hands—no utensils necessary—go primitive! Lol! You can never be too old for a picnic; especially when it comes to family bonding, says one author. This is the most economical way to get out of the house and spend a perfect lazy day at the park.  And, if you feel like it, toss a Frisbee or kick some rocks! The weather is nice and the mood is already set, so just do it!

5.              Attend an outdoor concert or festival

Singing is great soul medicine, so get out and get to know, support, and sing along with local amateur artists, musicians, and friends. It is a fun, spirited, upbeat, community integrated spirit booster. So inject some spirit into your soul before the summer ends!

6.              Go to the farmers’ market

This is a great inexpensive way to eat freshly grown, local produce for breakfast or brunch while supporting the local community and getting to know your neighbors.  Farmers’ market food is said to be the freshest, tastiest, and most nutritious available. Why? Because it is grown with the lease amount of pesticide and hormones, if any, and is less processed. Not to mention, the variety is bountiful and you get to connect with the community and share/learn cooking tips. Toronto and Brampton

7.              Sleep under the stars/Nap in a hammock under the sun

Either way, you can’t go wrong.  Getting to be one and one with nature and reevaluate what’s important in life and the things we take for granted is an eye opener.  This is also an excellent way to relieve stress, reconnect with our psychological well-being, and stabilizes our internal rhythm. To intensify the oomph, try snacking on some nuts and or berries before you doze off. Failing that, sleep with your windows and blinds/curtains open.

8.              Bring the outdoor in

Cut your own grown beautiful bouquet of flowers from your garden or even some wildflowers for every room in your home.  There is nothing like fresh flowers to scent your home. Too often we miss out on this wonderful delight when in dread of cutting the flowers in our garden. Instead, we let them rot and go to waste.  We would sooner prefer to go out and buy chemically treated, carbon-emission filled commercial flowers.  But when it comes from your own hands, there is nothing more delightful.  It gives you a sense of wellbeing and lifts the spirit as it brings out your creativity. Engage and reconnect the mind body and soul! Bring in your blooms before the season ends.

9.              Go for a swing at the park

Gravity, they say, is an essential fact of life! So why wait for it to come to you?  Go to the park and experience the gravity of movement.  Swinging is not just for kids, but we can certainly take some lessons from our own childhood experience by remembering how calming, soothing, relaxing and fun it used to be.  Having trouble concentrating? Swinging can fix that! As it balances our sensory integration and brings more awareness to our body through movement, sight, sound and touch. Why not swing your way to happiness before the summer ends?

10.          Treat yourself to Gelato ice cream!  

Well, last but certainly not least, what is summer without the delectable treat! And as you know, warm days calls for cool treats; especially, soft and creamy ones! Gelato is a healthier alternative to regular ice cream (6-7% less fat) and certainly, more satisfying, but don’t take my word for it—indulge for yourself! My faves: Rocky Rocher and Sicilian Pistachio. 

As you may have already figured out, most of these you can practically kill with one stone.  For instance, going to the farmer’s market to buy fresh produce for an afternoon family picnic at the park, then on your way home stopping for gelato ice cream and then finally spending the rest of night on the porch or backyard star gazing. How fun is that!?

Well, enjoy the rest of your summer and have a safe and happy end of summer activities!

summer, Woodbine Beach, Toronto, ON

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Andrene Gregory is a life coach with certification in LifeSkills training and Personality Dimensions. She helps adults live a strength-based life, regain their confidence and find the courage to navigate through challenging situations. Her unique approach to getting desired results includes personality assessment, self-knowledge, goal setting, and action planning.

Andrene provided one-on-one coaching and group workshops. Find out more at aggiestrongulc.com