25 Things That You Will Want To Do At Home This Summer

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Before you purchase your pumpkin spice lattes and start quoting from "Hocus Pocus," make sure you try out these incredible at-home activities that are perfect for summertime! While there are many great things you can do outside of the house during this time of year, sometimes keeping yourself protected from those UV rays and the humid, sticky hot weather can be a much more refreshing option. Plus, there are tons of benefits to being an "indoor cat," specifically when it comes to your wallet. According to The Mostly Simple Life, staying at home can be one of the best ways to help you save money. No need to spend on transportation, food, or entertainment, for example.

With that said, what are some creative and relaxing activities that you can do right in the comfort of your very own living space during summer? Keep reading to find out some excellent seasonal options to add to your bucket list.

One of the best at-home activities you can do this summer is redecorating your living space. According to Tiny Buddha, there are many great benefits to experiencing change, including "personal growth," "opportunities," and "new beginnings." Changing up your living space is no exception to this rule. As a study published by Psychology Today observes, your living space says a lot about your personal identity. Chances are, your identity has shifted (even if in the slightest) since you first decorated your place. So why not go ahead and redecorate your home to best suit the person you are today?

According to The New York Times, one of the best tips to get started with your new decoration plan is to ask yourself "How you want to live." What aesthetic do you want to surround yourself with on a daily basis? Are you seeking to live in a cozy home or would you prefer something more trendy and modern? How does your living space show off your personality? Does it suit the rest of your family/roommates? 

"To the best of your ability, you have to try to discern how you would like to live in a given space," says interior designer Alexa Hampton. "What will you be doing? How many people live there? Are there children? What are your ambitions for how you would like to live?" 

It's amazing how many physical and mental health benefits there are to journaling. The act of writing is a great way to unwind after a hectic day. Not only can writing down your thoughts improve your overall well-being, but for those who might be struggling with insomnia, journaling right before bed has been proven to aid with falling asleep. A study done by the Emory University suggests that you should jot down a "to do" list right before catching those Z's (via Psychology Today). "This seems to be a quick little thing people can do in the evening, not to fall asleep in two minutes, but to fall asleep faster than they probably would have otherwise," says lead author Michael Scullin. Who knew?

Psychology Today also suggests that those who begin journaling experience "significant improvements in health in just four months." So does this mean we don't have to keep going to the gym anymore?

If you're like most of us mortal-folk, you could probably learn to brush up a bit on your makeup skills. In today's digital world, it's easier than ever to become a makeup goddess in no time due to all the beauty guru channels dominating YouTube. Who would we be without the help of the masters like Michelle Phan and Rachel Levin? (We can all use some improvement on our wing eyeliner skills.) So if you're bored during the summer and you want to do something productive, yet fun, binging on makeup tutorials can be the best way to do so. In no time, your makeup skills will be so impressive you'll look like you just walked off the set of "Euphoria." 

Whether you want to rock a casual "no makeup makeup" look or go all out with something glittery and colorful, the choice is yours. The best part about makeup is that it's all about you, and your right to self expression. Makeup artist Chanel Ledger emphasizes this theory. "Makeup is more than just a way of enhancing your appearance," she says during a TEDxYouth Talk. "Applying makeup is like an art form. You can be creative, experiment with different colors, textures, application techniques, and you can express yourself in any way you please."

For some of us, meditation can seem intimidating. How are we supposed to close our eyes and concentrate on our breathing when it feels as though there are a million other things that we should be prioritizing? Shouldn't we be taking out the trash or finally washing that ever-growing pile of laundry that seems to be getting bigger by the second? While it may seem difficult to sit back and meditate, the mental, physical, and psychological benefits of this yoga activity are endless. Specifically, practicing "mindfulness meditation" can help reduce anxiety as much or even more so than anti-depressants (per Psychology Today.) 

But what exactly is "mindfulness meditation?" According to mindfulness expert John Kabat-Zinn it is "the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment." 

Like dance, exercise, and sports, there are many different forms of meditation. Mindfulness specialist Diana Winston says, "Just like there are many types of sports, there are many types of meditation. I define meditation as any practice that cultivates inward investigation" (via Dr. Happy)

There's nothing wrong with taking a day off from the stressors of everyday life in order to sit back, relax, and unwind. Nowadays, things seem more hectic than ever due to work, family duties, chores, and the excruciating aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic. This is why it is crucial that you take some time out of your busy schedule to put your own needs and health first. One of the best ways to do this is to have your very own self-care day. But the idea of "self-care" admittedly sounds pretty vague. What does it mean exactly? According to Psychology Today, it's just as simple as it sounds. "Self-care in essence is the mindful taking of time to pay attention to you," says Dr. Maria Baratta. "Not in a narcissistic way, but in a way that ensures that you are being cared for by you."

And while some people might take a fancier approach to a "self-care day" by going to pricey spas or trying to get their hands on all the essential oil bottles in the world, there are tons of simpler options that are absolutely free. Some of the greatest self-care activities at home include taking a nice bath while you let the water wash away all your stressors and worries of the day. Sounds so relaxing.

Writing, just like reading, is another activity that offers a myriad of psychological benefits. Not only is writing one of the best creative outlets (you have the power to invent your own world, for example) but it's also great for your overall happiness and well-being. The Independent even suggests that creative writing can boost your self-esteem. And according to one study published in Cambridge University Press, writing about traumatic experiences can greatly help victims with PTSD. "Writing about earlier traumatic experience was associated with both short-term increases in physiological arousal and long-term decreases in health problems" the study reveals.

Why not give writing a shot? Who knows, you might end up crafting the next best-selling novel. If you're nervous to get started, don't worry. Remember that nobody has to read your work (unless you want them to) so you're free to get as deep and heartfelt as you want without having to worry about what your peers think. 

Some adults are afraid to learn a new instrument because they feel as though they're too old to master it. And although it can be intimidating to try something new, studies show that playing instruments have a multitude of cognitive benefits. "Music might provide an alternative access into a broken or dysfunctional system within the brain," a study by Psychology Today reported. "Music has the unique ability to go through alternative channels and connect different sections of the brain."

Although it can be a bit embarrassing trying to play "chopsticks" on the piano as an adult, you have to start somewhere. And trying, of course, is better than not trying. Plus, there are thousands of videos floating all over YouTube that offer free tutorials for whatever instrument you'd like to master. No need to pay for piano or guitar lessons. 

Smoothie bowls are all the rage, and for good reason. Not only are these snacks aesthetically pleasing and perfectly Instagram-able, but they're also nutritious and delicious! Although it is commonly argued that too much fruit is bad for your health due to the sugar contents, many studies are quick to debunk this theory. In fact, numerous experts believe the majority of us fail to consume nearly enough fruit and veggies in our diets. According to one study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Only 1 in 10 adults [are] eating enough fruits and vegetables" (via ABC News). Yikes!

With that being said, it might be a good idea to make up for lost time and expand on your fruit diet. But how do you make this awesome treat? Simple. All you have to do is freeze up your favorite fruits, then stuff them in a blender with your choice of milk. Minimalist Baker suggests only adding a small amount of milk, preferably dairy-free. Then, just put it in a bowl, and voila! Feel free to add additional berries on top if you want it to look (and taste) the very berry best.   

Pinterest can be a great way to give you inspiration for how you want your summer to look. Adding pins of all the places you want to visit this summer can be a fantastic way to organize your schedule. Plus, crafting a bucket list will ensure that you make the most of the season. And simply looking at all the aesthetic pictures of this time of year will be a wonderful way to get you excited and inspired so you have the best summer yet. 

According to this super helpful guide by Master Class on how to get started with your moodboard, you can either make this board digitally or with arts and crafts IRL. If you would rather organize this board on a digital platform, there are numerous apps and platforms to go about doing so. Master Class explains that these include (but are not limited to) Pinterest, Canva, and Milanote.  

The number of health benefits that come from simply being in nature is staggering. Just being around trees can significantly lower your levels of anxiety and depression, according to a study reported by Sustainable Earth. So why not spend some time in the great outdoors for a nice lunch? There's no need to schlep all your food, picnic blankets, and basket of items to the middle of the woods. Having a picnic in your own backyard can be just as exciting (and easier) than venturing elsewhere. Plus, if you forget the bug spray, sunscreen, or extra condiments, you can pop right back inside the house to get it. 

So channel your inner "Anne of Green Gables" and get out the picnic essentials. According to the Food Network, you can either have the picnic on the grass with a blanket, or set up a table. It all depends on your mood and what everyone else is comfortable with. 

Who doesn't love the heavy emphasis on "core" aesthetics that have become so popular as of late? Whether it's "Cottagecore," "Princesscore," or "Barbiecore," all have an extremely fun and over-the-top appeal that takes us away from the (sometimes) mundane aspects of daily life. But with the Margot Robbie "Barbie" movie coming out next year, "Barbiecore" has made its way into fashion with hot pink accents and girly sequins dominating the scene. What is it about this aesthetic that is making us so giddy inside? According to vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, Laurie Pressman, it's all about taking risks that pull on our nostalgic heart strings. "People want to escape, and they are latching onto something colorful and nostalgic and playful," Pressman spills to The Washington Post. "When you think about color being a language that expresses what is taking place, this pink and its association with Barbie is about being daring and unafraid and taking chances." 

So come on, Barbie, let's go party! Check out this awesome list by The Takeout which will help you organize the best pink cuisines for your soiree.

Very few activities are as relaxing as they are rewarding, yet gardening is certainly one of them. Tending to plants and vegetables can be an excellent way to offer peace of mind, body, and soul — while also giving you a sense of purpose. You are creating life with your bare hands, and really, what can be more rewarding and exciting than that? Psychology Today lists the various "mental health benefits" of gardening, which include "reducing stress," "physical exercise," and "being present." Plus, if you grow vegetables in your garden, your eating habits will naturally become much healthier. 

This study reported by clinical psychologist Julia Rucklidge in her TEDx Talks takes a look into how much your diet plays a role in your overall well-being. "It is the simple idea that optimizing nutrition is a safe and viable way to avoid, treat, or lesson mental illness. Nutrition matters," she said. "Poor nutrition is a significant and modifiable risk factor for the development of mental illness."