Written by Natalie Glennon

When it comes to goal-setting, I’m sure most of us have an abundance of professional and academic plans and aspirations. But when was the last time you made a goal dedicated to fun? It can be easy to get caught up in the seriousness of life and forget to make time for activities that solely bring us joy. Now is the perfect time to create a summer bucket list that will help you reprioritize fun in your life and make the most of this time of year.

Research shows that people are more likely to achieve their goals when they write them down. That’s why summer bucket lists are so effective—they can help you set intentions, track your progress, and hold yourself accountable to specific actions. Setting goals centered around fun can be a great way to boost your mood and facilitate relaxation, which is what summer is all about.

What Does Your Ideal Summer Look Like?

Everyone’s ideal summer looks a little different. To figure out what kind of summer you want to have, you can ask yourself these questions:

1. What are three feelings you want to experience this summer?

2. What are three adjectives you can use to describe your ideal summer?

3. What are three hopes you have for this summer?

Take a moment to journal or jot down your answers to these questions. This can help you reflect on where your priorities lie and what your fun girl summer looks like to you.

Things to Put on Your Summer Bucket List

Once you have an idea of what you want this summer to look like, you can start making your bucket list! This can involve any activity that can help you achieve your ideal summer. But try not to make it a to-do list—stick with things that focus on fun and make you feel excited! Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Connect with loved ones. Whether you’re catching up with an old friend or planning quality time with a loved one, connection is a key ingredient to a fulfilling summer. Plan out creative activities that will change up your daily routine and help you bond with the people you care about, such as a picnic at a park or a canvas painting session.

2. Learn a new hobby or skill. Summer provides ample opportunities to dedicate time toward learning something new. Depending on your interests, you could take up a sport, learn a new language, or pick up a hobby you once had. Whether you’re expanding your skillset or reconnecting with a beloved pastime, these activities can have a calming effect or even bring you a sense of accomplishment.

3. Create a self-care routine. This summer, give yourself the attention you deserve by mastering a self-care routine. This could involve journaling, meditation, nightly skincare, or even just keeping your basic needs fulfilled through adequate sleep and hydration. It’s the perfect time to solidify healthy habits that prioritize your mental and physical wellbeing.

4. Explore nature. You can take advantage of the warm weather while boosting your mental health by spending time in nature. Whether you go on daily walks, hike on a new trail, or spend a relaxing day at the beach, take in the beauty of the world around you and soak up the benefits of being outside.

5. Volunteer. Research has shown that completing acts of kindness that benefit others can boost your happiness more than if you were to only benefit yourself. Volunteering in your community can not only have a positive impact on the people around you, but it can also strengthen your own wellbeing and sense of purpose. From beach cleanups to community events, there are a wide variety of volunteer options to choose from that can be both fun and meaningful at the same time.

6. Step out of your comfort zone. Some of the best summer memories happen when we open ourselves up to new experiences and let ourselves take risks. As long as you’re being safe, challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace the spontaneity of life. This can help you learn more about yourself or provide you with a funny story to look back on. 

By creating your summer bucket list, you are one step closer to curating the kind of life you want and injecting a sense of fun and joy into everyday life.