In a few days, when you whine “today feels so long,” scientifically speaking, you’ll be right.
The longest day of the year is June 20, also known as the summer solstice and the official start of the summer season.
For some, it’s just another day. For others, it can mark some interesting traditions, like reenacting the burning of a witch in Denmark.
The good news is that you can make those 15 hours, 16 minutes and 51 seconds of daylight special without all the work of creating a giant, evil-burning bonfire to burn a witch effigy.
Here’s a game plan to consider.
Get out of bed
This is your first big decision. It’s going to be a long day, so do you sleep in, or do you pop out of bed and greet the day with a smile on your face?
If you really want to make a day of it, pop out and get going. Start with a morning bike ride or jog and find a place to watch the sunrise.
That’s going to make you feel better the rest of the day, physically and mentally.
Eat breakfast
Nutritious food will help keep you going all day. Think eggs, yogurt, oatmeal, fruit. Want to keep it quick? Try a smoothie for a grab and go option.
Or maybe you want to take your extra minutes of daylight and have a leisurely breakfast at your favorite diner.
Either way, don’t skip it. Breakfast is key to kickstarting your metabolism and providing fuel for your day.
Make it a “Be Nice Day”
Say “hi” to people you don’t usually say “hi” to. Hold doors for others. Tell someone they’re great, wonderful, super … you get the idea.
Make time to send someone a card for no reason. Call your mother. (She worries!) Grab some fresh, juicy, sweet strawberries at the farmers market and share them with your coworkers.
Find a restaurant with outside seating, enjoy a nice lunch and leave an extra big tip.
Take the day off
Plan a day trip, go kayaking, indulge in a nap or read a book outside in a hammock.
Take a leisurely nature hike and focus on the little things you don’t normally see. Share them on social media in a #summersolstice album so others can be inspired.
Tackle a project
We all have those always-growing to-do lists. The longest day of the year is a good reason to tackle one of the more difficult items.
Make a plan to change all the art and photos on your walls or repot your overgrown plants. Do a six-month check up on your financial records to make next year’s tax time easier.
Declare the entire day a declutter day or focus on one small area, like your clothes closet.
Have a dinner party
What better way to capitalize on extra sunlight than to have a dinner party with friends?
Use the occasion to prepare something special, maybe something you would only tackle once a year, like a seafood boil or baked Alaska.
Then, once the sun finally does set, hope for a clear night where everyone can stay up and enjoy at the stars.
Appreciate the time
Whatever you decide to do, take your renewed appreciation for time with you for the rest of the year. And for more lifestyle and healthy living tips, check out additional blogs on Amway Connections.
