8 Ways to Make the Best of Your Summer

Summer is effectively three months long. That's three months out of the whole year that you have to squeeze in all the extra things you'd like to be doing while you have the spare time--working on that tan, alongside working out a storm in order to achieve that perfect bikini body; creating wildly fun summer memories with friends, going on vacation with the family, or even putting more hours into that work schedule in order to get ahead. Summer has always come with this laid-back mentality, but in reality it can become utter mayhem when you're running around trying to do it all--the pressure to be productive and still have tons of fun wrings summer's possibilities dry of any fun at all. To avoid such a conundrum, here's a list of eight ways to get the best out of your summer, including the summer opportunities that you definitely don't want to cop out on, as well as ways to make sure you get it all in without stressing:

1. Get spontaneous. Summer is the season to let-loose. Your life is a fact--do something with it! Getting spontaneous can mean anything from jumping in the car with a few close friends for a weekend-long escape on the road, to going for a swim that was not premeditated--jump in the nearest body of water with your clothes on! Unplanned adventures are often the most fun of all because they contain that extra element of surprise that makes you feel more alive. A summer without spontaneity is really no summer at all.

2. Multi task. In order to fit as much as possible into your jam-packed summer, occasionally you're going to have to do one or two things at the same time. Don't worry--it's not at all as hard as it may sound--most good things to multi task are as simple as catching up on your reading while sitting on the beach. Or, for that matter, if you can't get away from your work, doing that on the beach. If a lap-top is necessary, find a nice place along the beach with a deck where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat and enjoy the balmy weather while you work. If you're stuck in a spot where you're hard-pressed to find beach estate, see if a park or an outdoor cafe can't do it for you. Just make sure you don't waste away indoors--finding a way to be outside and enjoy the weather can be a task in itself.

3. Ride a bike. Speaking of multitasking, I can hardly think of a better way to do it--and thereby make the most of your summertime--than to hop on the seat of a bike. Biking gets you out of that stuffy car and frustrating traffic and acts as a mode of transportation that really lets you feel that gorgeous summer day on your skin. Additionally on a bike there's a whole set of different routes available to take to where you need to go, so that you'll never have to take the same way to work again. All in one shot you can be outside, have the sun on your back, and be in transit. Of course, peddling everywhere you go can also double as a great work-out that you hardly know you're getting in! Get in shape this summer by riding everywhere; you'll never have to worry about squeezing in that daily workout again.

4. Take a class. Summer is the time to get creative and explore yourself in a new light. Chances are your everyday work life keeps you away from doing or learning something you've always wanted to do. Take advantage of the extra time you have this summer by experiencing something new and of interest to you. Take that self-defense class you've been trying to fit in to your schedule, learn French, take a ballet class, embrace the summertime with horse-back riding lessons through the riding trails, or brush up on your traditional education with a college course or two. Enroll in a program that is constructive and builds on what you learn and experience every time you go. Summer school has never been more fun.

5. Throw a themed party. Show your friends a fun time and a break from the pressing world of responsibility by hosting a summer-themed party. Get everyone you know out on the deck, in the backyard, or on the beach to enjoy a starry night of summer fun. Get creative with the dress code, new drink recipes, party decorations, and the entertainment: bring out the volleyball net, string up the piñata, fire up the grill, and dish out the prizes for best costume. Most importantly, don't let the fun stop there!

6. Go to a baseball game. Those of you especially who aren't baseball fans, make sure you don't miss out on this summer tradition. Enjoy a real ballpark hot dog with all the fixings while you root for your favorite team. Get caught up in the excitement of the game; root for a team with a huge fan base if possible--the more enthusiastic your crowd, the more fun you'll have. Nothing says summer like a day at the ballpark.

7. Re-invent yourself. Make your summer all about change; besides that class you're now taking and the bike that you now ride wherever you need to go, there's plenty of other things you can do to inspire a new you and surprise everyone at work upon your return. Treat yourself to a day at the spa, nurture your body by eating healthy, wholesome foods all summer long; dye your hair, use a new color to paint your nails, buy some new clothes that you really like but wouldn't normally pick out for yourself, pick-up an interesting book that inspires you to think differently about something. Whatever change(s) you decide to make, make sure they're positive ones that you want to make and that celebrate and further express the person you are. Changes can be fun and liberating; let the change in season inspire a little change in you.

8. Remember that time is precious. Since summer is only three months long, make sure that you do something with every day you have. Don't stay in because the 95 degree high makes it miserable outside, go to the beach and cool yourself off in the water, not in the house with the AC on full-blast. The important thing is to get out there and go: learn, explore, re-invent, and have fun. And if at the end of the day things haven't all gone exactly according to plan, don't sweat it--each day is a new opportunity to get the most out of your summer.