Navigating an Enjoyable Summer Alone (Teen Edition)

Spending the summer without friends doesn't have to be dull. Here are numerous enjoyable and enriching ways to make the most of your time. To begin, create a list and a schedule of engaging activities to fill your summer days. Then, consider giving your time a purpose by working towards a personal goal or investing in your relationships.

Planning Fun Activities

Head to the library if you enjoy reading. Reading for pleasure can help alleviate symptoms of depression and promote a sense of well-being. Make use of the sunny season to engage in leisure reading. Select a book from your local library for a cost-effective way to pass the time. Reading in various locations such as your bedroom, a coffee shop, or beneath a shady tree can provide a serene experience. Consider fiction, biographies, or books on a subject that piques your interest. For those who prefer digital formats, inquire if your library offers an app for checking out ebooks.
Engage in gaming if you are a gaming aficionado. If you have a game that you haven't had the chance to finish or a new one you're excited about, this is your opportunity! Prepare yourself with something to drink and a snack that's easy to grab, so you can play for a few uninterrupted hours. Slot in the game and get started. If you encounter difficulties, taking short breaks may help you conquer challenging parts of the game. Consider muting the music and turning down the volume for improved focus. Watching someone else overcome a boss, such as on YouTube or Twitch, could also help you surmount challenging levels.
Create a scrapbook if you're artsy. Scrapbooking is a creative way to organize printed photos and can help foster happiness and relaxation. Obtain a blank scrapbook and fill it with pictures from your school year. Accent the photos using colorful background paper and stickers. Write on the pages to describe the events depicted in the photos. An alternate option is to construct a collage using a large piece of posterboard or cardboard. Glue photos directly onto the board and add stickers as accents throughout.
Visit the beach for a relaxing day out. Spending a day at the beach is an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful summer experience. Don a swimsuit and coverup. Pack sunscreen, a towel, water, and snacks. Consider loading your phone with music, a podcast, or an audiobook before you set out. Find a comfortable spot on the beach, recline, and unwind. Remember to apply sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours to safeguard your skin.
Go to the movies on hot or rainy days. Summer is famous for its action-packed blockbusters at the movies. Head to the theater for a day to watch the latest adventure flick, horror movie, or romantic drama. Choose something that appeals to you. Treat yourself to popcorn and a drink while you're there! Check for bargain days at your local theater for reduced-cost tickets. Some cities offer free outdoor movies during the summer, so consult your local events guide to discover these offerings. Alternatively, choose a new movie to watch on a streaming service and make a microwave popcorn for a movie theater-style snack.

Using Your Time for Self-Development

Set a goal for yourself to achieve over the summer. Goal-setting is an effective strategy to maintain focus and boost self-esteem upon attaining the objective. Think about what you'd like to accomplish in part of your time over the summer, and then convert it into a SMART goal, meaning it should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. For example, if you want to learn how to skateboard, your SMART goal could be, "I will practice skateboarding for 20 minutes on at least three days each week for the next six weeks." To lose weight, a SMART goal could be, "I will lose five pounds over the next 30 days by taking daily 30-minute walks and maintaining daily calorie intake under 1,800 calories."
Devote 30 minutes each day to physical activity, five days a week. Regular physical activity contributes significantly to overall health, helping with weight control, sleep, mood improvement, disease reduction, and enhanced thinking skills. Aim for 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise five days a week or a total of 150 minutes of cardiovascular activity each week. Options for cardiovascular activity include running, swimming, walking, hiking, biking, dancing, or climbing stairs.
Experiment with a new style if you fancy a change. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with style. Test out new clothing, makeup, hair, or accessories to find what boosts your confidence and comfort. Consider getting a new haircut or color, adopting a different clothing style, or discovering makeup that complements your features.
Learn something new if you wish to acquire a fresh skill. Summer offers a terrific opportunity to learn something new! Reflect on what you'd like to learn and find a way to educate yourself. Even devoting a small portion of each day to learning a new skill can provide a fresh way to spend your time. For example, if you aspire to learn French, download the Duolingo app and dedicate 10 minutes each day during the summer for practice. If you're interested in cooking, ask a family member for assistance or acquire a beginner's cookbook for guidance. Investigate your interests – if you enjoy music, learn a musical instrument such as the guitar.

Working on Your Relationships

Ask an acquaintance to join you in an outing or activity. If you don't wish to engage in an activity alone, consider asking someone you've met at the gym, a fellow student with whom you'd like to get to know better, or another acquaintance. The individual will likely appreciate the invitation, and you may even make a new friend while doing so. For example, try saying, "Hi Gina! I'm planning to go to the movies at 2:00 on Saturday. Would you like to join me?" Alternatively, suggest teaming up to beat a challenging game, such as Dark Souls.
Spend quality time with your family. Summer is an excellent opportunity to bond with family members you don't often see during the school year. Arrange outings with individual relatives or organize family activities as a group. For example, plan a beach day with a cousin, locate age-appropriate concerts to attend with a sibling, or arrange a family game night with your parents and/or grandparents.
Join a club or special interest group. Explore local special interest groups you could join, such as soccer, knitting, or live-action role-playing groups. You may be able to find a club through Facebook or on a site like Meetup. Maintain safety when planning online interactions with others. Consult your parents before meeting anyone in person, and only meet in a public location until you feel more comfortable.
Look into attending a summer camp. Engaging in a summer camp is an excellent way to meet new people, learn new skills, and have fun! Research a camp that appeals to you, and discuss the possibility of attending with your parents. Consider options such as science camp, art camp, or religious camp. If attending a camp away from home isn't feasible or desirable, look for day camps in your area.

Community Q&A

Can I attend summer camp if I didn't sign up for it?

Probably not. You can inquire about late registration for summer camps. If they still have room, you may be able to join on short notice.

My friends often exclude me from their conversations when we hang out together. What do I do?

Listen carefully to the conversation and look for opportunities to ask questions. People enjoy discussing themselves, so if you ask questions, they might be more likely to engage and ask you questions as well. If your friends continue to exclude you, consider seeking different friends to spend time with.

Embark on a personal educational journey by exploring online courses or books related to lifestyle, health, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth. Engage in activities such as learning a new language, honing cooking skills, or developing a stronger understanding of how to build and maintain healthy relationships.
Schedule regular check-ins with family members, friends, or acquaintances to foster strong relationships and personal growth. Remember, it's important to listen actively, show empathy, and offer support during these conversations. Building a support network can positively impact one's overall well-being and happiness.
Volunteer for a local organization or charity that aligns with your values and interests. By giving back to the community, you can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, while also forming meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. Research volunteering opportunities and reach out to organizations to discuss your availability and areas of interest.