As you guys know, July has rolled round once again, which means that it’s summertime! In Singapore, we’re still having to abide by the COVID rules and regulations, which limits the activities that we’re able to do, and also means that travelling isn’t an option. This might not be a problem for those who would be content to just Netflix and Chill for two months, but in case you’re looking for any interesting hobbies to pick up or activities to try during the summer vacation, I’ve got you covered!
1. Bake a cake
This one's pretty straightforward, just get in the kitchen and try to make some desserts! Cakes are probably the easiest, yet most versatile of all desserts, so why not add your own personal twist to it?
2. Organise your closet
Okay, I'll admit that this one does seem a bit tedious, but it's very practical! You need to clean out your closet sometime, so why not just do it now? If it's too much of a chore, you could do it in sections, and come back to it later. You'll thank yourself later.
3. Host a picnic or barbecue
Summer's not summer without being outdoors, and this is the perfect time to soak in that Vitamin D. During these trying times, it can be hard to meet up with friends, or fully enjoy your summer, but a backyard barbecue or beach picnic would be a great way to make memories!
4. Do a Chloe Ting workout
Ah yes, the infamous Chloe Ting workouts. I personally have attempted one of them, and they...aren't fun. However, it'll pay off, and think about how much healthier you'll be! You could pick a muscle group that you think is weaker, and improve your overall fitness! Stick with it, and you'll feel stronger and better about yourself!
5. Try a new hairstyle
During the summer, I love to experiment with makeup looks and hairstyles. I picked hair specifically, because if you want to try dyeing your hair or cutting it short, if it doesn't look great you have the rest of the summer to grow it out. I recently dyed my hair brown with box dye, and it actually turned out better than expected!
6. Start a YouTube channel
Yes, a YouTube channel. It can be about absolutely anything, from your dog's vlogs to teaching people how to change a tire. YouTube is great, because it allows you to share your hobby with the world, with no commitment whatsoever! If your channel takes off, you might even be able to monetise your videos, and make some extra cash!
7. Go to a café alone!
There is nothing more relaxing than listening to music while sipping a hot beverage, enjoying your own company. Even though I'm an extrovert, I do enjoy spending time alone, and hanging out at a café by myself (with Lo-fi music, of course!) would be a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. This was on the top of my bucket list for the whole summer, but with the COVID cases spiking it may no longer be possible ;-;
8. Do something fun with a friend!
It's the summer after all, so trying some fun activities such as surfing, trampolining, archery, bowling or skating with a friend would be a great way to spend an afternoon! Not only does it make a much-needed break from lounging around at home all day, you'd also be able to get in your daily dose of exercise! Win-win!
9. Make a summer playlist
This is very important, a summer playlist always helps to improve your mood! After all, summer's meant for being carefree, and relaxing at the beach, so it's great to have your own personal soundtrack to last you all the way from June to August! For me, it's absolutely necessary that songs like Alcohol Free by Twice and Red Flavor by Red Velvet are on the playlist!
10. Organise a progressive dinner
In case you haven't heard of it, a progressive dinner is a dinner in stages, where you bring a few of your friends, have appetiser at someone's house, move to another friend's house for salad, followed by soup, then mains, and then dessert! It can be very time consuming, but it's a lot of fun, and definitely a very memorable evening.
11. Read a comic!
This one sounds more mundane compared with the other things on this list, but it has a personal story behind it. Last summer, because of the COVID situation, I wasn't really allowed to go out much, and rather spent most of my summer at home, watching Korean dramas and video calling friends. I did chance upon a online comic, My ID Is Gangnam Beauty, and really loved it! Now, I'm an avid reader of Webtoons, but My ID Is Gangnam Beauty holds a special place in my heart, as the comic where it all started. Now, when I think back to the previous summer, this is the first thing that pops into mind.
12. Start a crafting project!
This can be anything from origami, to watercolour, even making a birdhouse! I love having tangible items to remind me of a certain period of time, and since we're all stuck at home anyway, there's no better time to get crafting! It doesn't have to require expensive materials or classes, with things like origami and sketching only needing paper and pencils. Yesterday, I got a hat-knitting tool from Daiso, the $2 shop in Singapore, and have got started at trying to make a hat!
13. Start writing!
Easier said than done. However, it doesn't have to be a full chapter book! Try your hand at writing poetry, short stories or even dabble in songwriting! If you're particularly proud of your creation, you could try self publishing on platforms such as Wattpad or Archive of Our Own, and finding an audience for your work!
14. Start a garden
As with many of the other things on this list, you can start small! Whether it's a succulent by your window, a flowerpot of lavender on your dresser, or a full-on, boho-style crate of herbs, it's time to put those green fingers to good use! Plants can help to improve air quality, and are scientifically proven to help boost concentration and productivity, while decreasing stress and improving your mood! Not only that, but you could always cook with your homegrown herbs!
15. Go camping!
Regardless of whether it's with friends, with family, or even by yourself, camping is always a blast. Bring your friends, a tent, and a bag of marshmallows, and then relax under the star studded sky. A change of scenery is always nice, and you might as well take full advantage of the amazing weather!
16. Host a photoshoot
Okay, this one sounds odd but hear me out. Despite my love for taking selfies (yep, guilty as charged), sometimes it can be hard to find a good profile picture, or you may not have enough polaroids for your wall, photo album, scrapbook etc. Why not pamper yourself by indulging in a makeover, and then organising a photoshoot? It doesn't have to be professional, rather creating a keepsake to remember your summer by! Whether it's on the beach, in a garden or just in your bedroom, it'll still be a blast! Bonus points if you team up with a friend, to take pretty pictures of each other!
17. Plan a summer glow-up
Trust me, it's a lot of fun. Don't take it too seriously, and no need to put unnecessary pressure on yourself! Sometimes, it can be good to set a goal for yourself, and work towards it everyday! I've been trying to eat healthier and also exercise more this summer, and hopefully it pays off!
18. Have a pyjama day!
Pull out all the stops and organise a pyjama day! This can be as simple as spending the day in your pyjamas, to as extravagant as wearing a onesie, and eating breakfast foods like eggs, toast and bacon for dinner! It's completely up to you, so have fun and be creative with it!
19. Go stationary shopping!
When school rolls round again, it's important to have all of your stationary and school supplies sorted! Why not make a trip out of it, and bring some friends along to find some cute stationary? It's a really fun rainy day activity!
20. Volunteer!
Especially with the COVID situation, there are plenty of people who need help during these unprecedented times. Whether it's seniors in nursing homes, young children who are unable to go to school, or even pets that have been stuck in the shelter with no potential families to adopt them, there are many ways you could donate your time to meaningful causes!
And that concludes the bucket list! How many of the activities have you crossed off?
I hope you found the list helpful! Enjoy your summer!