12 Ways to Spend Summer

One can really feel the heat already here in the tropics. It is summer time and people are getting out under the sun and having fun.

Now, I'm guessing most of you guys have your flights booked and your reservations fixed in some of the finest hotels and the whitest sand beaches in the world.

But for those who are not, do not fret; there are a lot of cool stuff to do in the summer. So, make a list, and try to do them one day at a time.

In my experience over the years, it is much better to do something in the summer than just lay around the house doing nothing all day.

Even if you are in the house, you should make the habit of being productive so that you would not waste a minute of your precious time, especially for the students who are on vacation in summer. Now, I have had days when I really have nothing to do but I try to find something worthwhile to do.

So, here's my list of stuff I have done and plan to do in the summer:

1. Travel around the world. Whether it is out of town or around town, you will definitely find new and interesting things along the way. Especially in countries filled with heritage sites and historical places, you will truly make the most out of your summer in that way.

Try to learn the culture of the country or the place you are staying in, it makes it more worthwhile, and you will bring great experiences with you when you get back. As you enjoy the luxurious places you go to, you educate yourself as well.

2. Look for a summer job. Start applying for simple jobs that you think will help you learn new skills and improve your abilities. This could help you in the future when you are looking for a real job.

You can establish your own business if you would like. It will teach you how to interact with people who have authority and will definitely give you professional tips. And, what's more, you can get extra income.

3. Do a garage sale. Summer is the only time when I can fix my things up. I would like to get rid of the clutter in the shelves.

But, instead of throwing away those things I do not need anymore, I am going to put them up on a garage sale, or perhaps auction them online. Or maybe I could probably donate them to those who are more in need.

4. Attend summer classes/programs. For teens like me, I usually go into sports in the summer. You will not only improve your overall fitness and health, you will have an edge on those couch potatoes.

Try to balance your life with just enough activities for the mind and the body. In my case, this summer, I'll be attending classes in preparation for college. Now, isn't that a treat?

5. Go on outings with friends or family. Though most of the time, I travel just with my mom as we can afford, we never end a summer without going out with our family. It gives us time to bond with them, to get to know what is happening in their lives, to update ourselves.

There are also times when you would want to be with your friends, so you can do stuff together. It strengthens your friendship and you get to know them more.

6. Go shopping. Though it has never come up to mind, nor has it been in my agenda to go shopping, it might be worthwhile to browse through the mall and see what I can buy. You will never know what it is worth unless you buy it.

Anyway, the summer brings about sales and discounts in malls so probably that is the time to go on a frenzy and just buy all the stuff you want.

7. Read a book. During school days, I never really have the time to read a lot of books except for those needed in book reports, or text books. So, I use up my time to catch up with my favorite novels.

It would be nice to do so especially on a warm, sunny day when everything is calm and peaceful.

8. Write a book. Just as much as you can read one, you can also write one. If you would like to share a story or an experience, why not write about it. Make a story about your life, a friend's life, or just about anything within the stretch of your imagination.

Who knows? Maybe someday, it could be a bestseller. Just kidding. But, it is a good thing to waste your time in.

9. Develop a new hobby. This is all just conditional. If you are bored at home and you feel like cooking something up or maybe try to learn magic, then do so.

In the long run, it will a great asset to you and you might just become a famous chef or street magician like Gordon Ramsay or David Blaine. Just saying.

10. Exercise. Well, it is not that you do not do it every day, but summer gives you more time than you can ever imagine. For me, who has a very hectic schedule during school days, I really do not have the time to even stretch in the morning.

Probably the only exercise I get is by walking or climbing up the stairs or maybe carrying my ten-kilogram bag. That is why, I must catch up during summer. Swim, jog, run, and all that exercise. Additionally, you will stay fit and healthy; that is the important thing.

11. Socialize. Just as much as you need to work your body out, you need to interact with other people. Maybe do some volunteer work to get to know the people in your community.

Though most of the socializing now is done in networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, there is no beating the old-fashioned, get-to-know-each-other-in-a-personal-kind-of-way; that was a mouthful.

You do not know how these people can help you in the future, just remember to be nice to everybody and you will soon reap the rewards of your efforts.

12. And finally, summer is about having fun. Whatever you do, just try to enjoy it. Always think that by doing this, you gain something for yourself. Do not exasperate yourself nor should you just lounge around.

Stay positive and productive, whether in the house, outdoors or anywhere. Try to learn new things. Live life to the fullest.