21 Ways to Make Summer 2021 Your Best Summer Yet

As we are nearing the start of a post-pandemic world, at least in the United States, people have high hopes for summer 2021. For me, it is an especially important one because it is the summer before my senior year of high school, and I want to make the most out of it before the reality of college applications and senioritis sets in.

Besides, what’s the point in wallowing in our own self-pity and sadness? My summer depression hits just as hard as the next person, but Lorde said we are going to have a healing girl summer with the release of Solar Power, so who am I to say no to her? It’s time to let go of all the tears we’ve cried, it’s a new state of mind, baby!

Start a journal/scrapbook

What I love about journals is that there’s no wrong way to go about them. You can pour your heart out in writing or simply stick a bunch of memorabilia inside the pages. Whether it’s receipts, movie tickets, or something random you found, it will be nice to look back on these pages at the end of summer and be reminded of all the fun you had.

Make a photo dump Instagram account

As posting on Instagram becomes more casual, you may be holding out for the sake of keeping your feed aesthetic--I get it. But what’s stopping you from making a new account for the summer? It’ll be even more fun if you share the account with your friends. Post all the little things you saw on your trips and anything else that may not be “main worthy.”

Try a new drink from Starbucks every trip

If you’re a big fan of Starbucks like me, but you always get the same drink, make it a point to try something new this summer! You can totally make it a series on your private Snapchat story and review all the new drinks. Who knows, you might find your new go-to.

DIY tote bags

Tote bags are totes-in this summer! (Sorry, I had to.) There are so many you can buy from Etsy and online, but if you’re an artistic person or you just want to have your own unique design, head over to Michael’s or your local craft store and paint one of your own.

Create a shared photo album with friends

If you have an iPhone, there is an option to create a shared photo album with your friends. This is great for outings with a large group of people so you don’t have to go seeking for pictures. Also, there is a comment feature where you can leave messages, captions, or even inside jokes from the photos.

Curate the ultimate summer playlist

Music is so important to having fun. It can completely change the mood of your outing. My personal recommendations for this summer are Taylor Swift, WILLOW, and old 90s rock, but it’s important to find your own taste and what works best for the soundtrack to your summer. Remember, we are all the main characters in our own movies.

Invest in a film camera or disposable

I recommend looking into the most environmentally friendly and efficient way to take and develop your photos! I wanted to buy a film camera at the start of the pandemic, but I found out that my parents still had theirs from the 90s, so it might be worth a try looking at home before going out to buy a brand new one.

Create a reading list and commit to it

One thing I miss from my childhood is how much I read. In recent years I have been trying to find that spark again. With constant recommendations from BookTok, it’s hard for me to not pick up every book I see at Barnes and Noble. Make yourself a manageable list of books you want to read this summer and keep yourself in check. A great app for tracking books is Goodreads, I love updating my progress and seeing what my friends are reading.

Watching the sunrise and set as often as possible

I know, summer is about sleeping in, but watching the sunrise is so underrated. Everyone sees sunsets, and they are notoriously prettier, but there’s nothing like getting up early while the grass is still wet and the birds are chirping to see the start of a new day over the horizon. Take in small moments like this--they’re what life is made up of.

Learn something new

What’s that one thing you’ve always wanted to do? Whether it be learning how to drive, cook, bake, crochet, skateboard, go for it! It’s never going to be too late to start something new, but the earlier you learn, the more practice you’ll have. What are you waiting for?

Organize your wardrobe for warm weather

At least in the Northern Hemisphere, the weather can get pretty hot. Make sure your wardrobe is fit to protect you from the sun while looking stylish. I’m no fashion expert, but it’s looking like the latest trend this season is mom jeans, loose t-shirts, halter tops, and whatever makes you happy. We’re finally getting a chance to show off all those fits we planned over quarantine, so let’s take advantage of it!

Fall in Love

Not just with people, but with life. Embrace summer and all it has to offer. Sure, it’s got bugs and humidity and sticky popsicles, but even in the scorching sun, there’s an occasional breeze. What I’m saying is don’t miss out on love just because you can’t find it in a person. Start with yourself and the world becomes just a little bit brighter.

Start a Project

It doesn’t have to be anything big or ambitious, it’s still summer, but maybe you have a creative project or personal endeavor you’ve been looking to start. For me, it’s a podcast. I’ve been wanting to start my own for the longest time, and maybe I’ll finally find some time this summer. Your project can be as simple as working on yourself or as complex as trying to figure out if they like you back (kidding).

Become more comfortable with yourself

This is the summer of self-improvement if you couldn’t already tell. Once the weather starts getting warmer, I always feel an impending sense of loneliness knowing that I won’t be able to see my friends as often. However, use this time away from school and people to focus on yourself and learn to sit alone in your thoughts without feeling anxious. It’s definitely a work in progress for me, but I believe it’s necessary and important work.

Take up gardening

Gardening requires a lot of patience and dedication, and you may not even see any results until next summer, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for a long-term project. If a garden sounds like too much, head over to Lowe’s or your local plant shop and purchase yourself some potted friends.

Limit your screen time

I type this as my screen time averages 12 hours a day… but seriously, less time on your phone and more time living life will leave you feeling much more fulfilled at the end of the day. Don’t let life pass you by while you’re scrolling through social media.

Romanticize Your Life

My favorite way to do this is to take photos and videos whenever I’m out. I know that capturing the moment on your phone can take away from it, but it also grants you an opportunity to see things in retrospect and look back on a special time in your life.

Attend local (street) events

No matter where you live, it is very likely that your city is hosting some events or festivals over the summer. These are so fun to go to with a partner or friend, and always a chance to support local artists or vendors.

Roadtrip

It doesn’t even have to be far! Plan a road trip with family or friends for the day or make accommodations for a few nights away from home. If you’re a rising senior in high school like me, use college tours as an excuse to get away.

Bike Rides

No driver’s license? No problem! Bike rides are the way to go. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but you can also get a workout in too. For my fellow friends that don’t even have their permit yet, biking is probably my favorite form of transportation during the summer and they’re great for quick trips to the store or park.

Be spontaneous

This is the most important part! There’s nothing wrong with planning and organizing a trip, but you have the most fun when you’re not stressing yourself out. Let go this summer and allow yourself to take that well-deserved break.