Summer is Essential

Summer is hereeee and I couldn’t be more ecstatic! Sunshine just makes my heart happy. Lots of people go away for summer but to me it’s the perfect time to stay and explore your own city and surrounding areas. I already wrote about what’s on my summer bucket list (if you haven’t checked it out and you’re in the city, take a look!) but I also wanted to share why summer is my absolute favorite and some ways for you to enjoy it to the fullest.

Sunshine is Good for the Soul

I’m pretty sure there’s scientific proof that sunshine is good for you (hello Vitamin D!) but I think almost everyone can agree that when you wake up to a beautiful sunny day, it automatically boosts your mood. A lot of New Yorkers have some level of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) but when the beginning of Summer hits, people get friendlier, smile more often and the city turns into a more joyous place! However, a lot of us struggle with actually getting outdoors and soaking in the suns rays. If you’re like me, you work 9-5 indoors and then you have to go home and gym and cook dinner and by the end of it the day, all you want is your bed. There are lots of times to sneak in some extra sun though.

Take the way to work that includes more time outdoors - Whether you walk a bit more or take the ferry, it'll be nice to not be on the smelly subway and it's a great way to start your day.
Eat lunch outside - If you'e lucky enough to have a 30 minute block, try to eat outside, maybe with your coworkers (if you like them, heh). Even if you go it alone, the fresh air makes the afternoon go by waaay faster.
Take your workout outdoors - I know it's hot, but hear me out. Instead of running on a treadmill how nice would a morning run be, or an outdoor yoga class. It doesn't have to be an every day thing, but it's a nice change of pace. Plus in the summer BO is out of control at the gym.
Do the outdoor version of your normal activities - Are you a big movie watcher? Watch a movie in the park. Always at the bar on a Saturday? Find a spot that has outdoor seating or hit up a rooftop.
Take a Staycation - Not everyone has money or time to go away somewhere exotic but maybe you have Summer Fridays or a couple weekends without plans. Take a train out to the jersey shore for a quick 2 day trip, or the subway out to the Rockaways for an afternoon. Make it feel like a mini-vacation and get to somewhere outside the concrete jungle.

Backpack Life is Everything

I pretty much look like Dora all Summer long because I always have my purple backpack on (and I now even have the short Dora haircut, ha). Anywhoooo, I love being able to pull anything out of my bag at any given time. I try to be prepared to provide all the necessities, fun and safety my friends and I might need on a day out. The days I don’t bring my backpack, I almost always end up spending unnecessary money on things I have at home and could have easily brought with me. Obviously I switch up what goes in my backpack based on where I’m going but there are definitely staples that you should spend some money on and bring with you everywhere.

Everyday Backpack Essentials

Backpack - Ok DUH, but pick a good one. I have a trusty Jansport that I've had since High School that I loooove. Look for one that will last you and fit everything you need. Obviously my recommendation is a Jansport but there's lots of brands and looks to choose from.
Durable Reusable Water Bottle - Invest in a durable reusable water bottle that keeps your water cold on a hot summer day. I highly recommend the 32oz Ozark from Walmart. In my opinion it's comparable to the hydroflask or Yeti versions. Whatever you choose, fill it with ice and water before any day out to stay hydrated.
Sunscreen - Don't play games with mother nature because she will always win. I'm especially talking to all ya'll that turn into a lobster after 5 minutes in the sun but it's important for everyone. I like Hawaiian Tropic because it feels light on my skin (Silk Hydration for my face and Sheer Touch for my body).
Portable Charger - Let's be real, we're all addicted to our phones and the absolute worst thing to happen at the end of a day out is discovering that your phone is dead when you need to call an uber home. The two I use most frequently were free thanks to work but just read the reviews and get one on amazon. It's a useful investment outside of summer even.
Small Games - A deck of cards or small games like Monopoly Deal (c'mon you had to know that was coming) are the perfect source of entertainment at an outdoor picnic or bar or even on the train between cities. It takes up minimal space and provides maximum fun!
The Obvious Stuff - I can't be the only one who has ever forgotten my wallet at home only to make this discovery when I get ID'd at the bar, so before you walk out the door make sure you have your phone, your keys and your wallet. Quick sanity check.

Beach Day

Large Sheet/Blanket - Have a designated one for any outdoor event
Book - It's time to get that summer reading done or for most of you slackers, started
Cash - Boardwalks tend to be cash only and if you can't lose at all the games what's even the point
Portable Speaker - Nothing more relaxing than music on the beach

Short (Local) Trips

Headphones - Don't get stuck on transportation without some tunes to drown out that inevitable screaming child
Meds - Because not eveywhere has a Duane Reade on every block and a headache is the last thing you want (see screaming child above)
Snacks - Pre-packed snacks are less expensive than the airport/train store

Only In the Summer You Can...

Take advantage of all the awesome summer only events in your city because I guarantee that there are a lot and that they are awesome! Especially in cities like New York, where we really only get 3-4 months of warm weather, they really pack in a lot of outdoor events. From outdoor movies to concerts to plays in the park to state fairs to food festivals, there’s something for everyone. Below is a list of some of the things I hope to be hitting up this summer and while you may not have the exact equivalent of the list below in your own town you can always look on your local town website or facebook page and I’m sure you’ll find something super cool .

Smorgasburg
Ezoo (or am I too old ha)
Shakespeare in the Park
Jazz Age Lawn Party
US Open
Bryant Park/Randalls Island Movie Night
The Rewind
Restaurant Week
Museum Mile

Summer Vibes

Summer is a mood. For me it brings back nostalgia of my childhood, having carefree days with nothing planned but waking up late and being outdoors playing. Maybe I don’t get to do that on a daily basis but I can still make the most out of the beautiful weather we get and spend as much time with my friends and family outdoors as possible. So celebrate your summer Fridays with a cold beer, wear that cute ass bikini you bought 10lbs ago, get way too close to the speakers at a show, have that summer fling, do whatever makes you happy. Even if for just a minute, let your troubles and worries go, and let summer set your soul free. <3

Summer is Essential