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Avoiding the Summertime Blues

By Dawn Rodriguez

If you are one of the many who got an early start on all your summertime activities, you may find yourself wondering what to do with your spare time now that summer is in full swing. Without utilizing your time wisely during the long summer days, you may find yourself feeling a little anxious for the fall so that life can get back to normal. But summer has only just begun and it's important that you stay busy to avoid a case of the summertime blues.

What can you do to beat the summertime blues? Isn't this the season that you've waited for all year? Of course it is, but summertime blues will hit you eventually, if they haven't already. In many areas of the country, the children are already out of school and have already found a place at day camps, Vacation Bible Schools or other centers to keep them busy throughout the summer. But those who live in rural areas may find themselves a little stretched in keeping occupied. Below are a couple of tried and true suggestions to help keep the summertime blues away:

1. Stay busy - Explore the outdoors. Find a day camp, YMCA, or girl/boy scout activity that will keep your children occupied. Enroll you and your children in a swimming club or other activity that you all will enjoy as a family. Perhaps try camping out for the first time. Children enjoy the outdoors and it's full of things to keep you and your children occupied on a hot summer day.
2. Start a family tradition - Take up scrapbooking as a family. Scrapbooking is one way to occupy a rainy day. Drag the old photos out of that shoebox and utilize your creative side. Children will enjoy cutting and pasting and it's a great way to start out the summer. Set a goal to have at least one scrapbook finished by the end of the summer. It will give you and your family a sense of accomplishment to display that scrapbook of photos year after year.
3. Don't do too much at once - Space out your activities throughout the summer months. Do not try to cram all the activities into one or two weeks. Keep the anticipation levels high and schedule your vacation toward the end of the month.
4. Give of yourself - One way to do this is to get involved in a charity event such as MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association), American Cancer Society or other services in your area. Many historical societies in various cities and towns around the country offer summertime activities for the whole family at little or no charge. So check it out; you may be pleasantly surprised at what you learn in the process. Of course, giving to others is always a rewarding experience for all ages.
5. Be creative - If you've ever wanted to try something new, now is the time. Start that acrylic or ceramic painting you've always wanted to try. Perhaps you can redecorate one room in your home using only materials gathered from second-hand stores or yard sales.

The possibilities are endless. Do not let the summertime blues sneak up on you or let summertime pass you by. After all, it only comes once a year.