As an introvert, I am always trying to figure out ways I can celebrate and enjoy the season without having to talk to a lot of people. However, when it comes to the summer, activities are often centered around socialization. Beach parties and group outings dominate the summer scene, and as an introvert, it gets a tad bit overwhelming. This year, however, instead of adapting to everyone else, I am making a summer bucket list for introverts.
I have spent so much of my life as an introverted person adapting to others. A lot of other introverts can relate to this, I am often going out when I don’t want to and sacrificing my own social battery so I can keep my friends and loved ones happy.
I am exhausted! I have been doing this for so long, some people don’t even know how tired it makes me. In a world built for extroverts, I am tired of pretending I am not an introvert.
This summer I am changing that. I am going to carve out time in my life to do what makes me happy. This summer bucket list for introverts is basically my to-do list for the next couple of months.
1. Solo Trip to the Beach, Lake, or other Spot in Nature
One of the staple things about summer is the sun, so you might as well enjoy it while it’s out! Soak up as much VitaminD as you can before the clouds come back. One of my favorite things to do during these months is to take a solo trip to the beach or my local nature reserve. I bring along a picnic blanket, some lunch, and a good book and I spend some time enjoying the sun and the clear weather.
2. Picnic in the Park with a Good Book
I am a huge reader, and summer is one of the seasons I get most of my reading done for the year. However, it gets a bit monotonous, reading in bed or on the couch every day. For a change of pace, I love taking my book along with an iced coffee and some snacks and visiting my local park for a picnic. Going early in the evening is the best. The weather is cooling off, it isn’t too busy, and the lighting is super relaxing.
3. Learn a New Craft
Sometimes it is just too hot to go outside and do all the basic summer activities. I just want to stay in my air conditioned house. So on days like this, I love learning up a new craft! I have always been a huge crafter, but I tend to stick to what I know, crocheting, sketching, and sewing. This year I want to pick up something new! Choose a new fixation that will get me through the hot summer months.
Check out this post for a bunch of ideas for different hobbies and crafts you can try this summer.
4. Find a Local Trail and Take a Bike Ride
I have never been one to enjoy hikes. I’m one of those people that get cranky when I feel dirty, and I won’t shut up about it. So I tend to avoid hikes. But I do love the occasional bike ride. I am able to still enjoy the beauty of being outside in nature, while still feeling refreshed and energized.
Just do research before you head out, to make sure that your local trails allow bikes. Some places might even have places you can rent a bike nearby, so check it out and see what is available near you!
5. Master a Summer Dessert Recipe
For years I have been trying to make the perfect lemon bar. For years I have failed. Is it just me, or are lemon bars the most difficult dessert to master? They either don’t set right, or they set too much and end up being chewy. Either way, I have yet to figure it out, so this summer I plan to do just that.
There are so many yummy and tasty summer-themed deserts. I love a fruity pastry during the hot months myself! Check out this post from Taste of Home, for 75 non-bake summer dessert recipes! You don’t even have to turn on the oven for these!
8. Make Homemade Ice-Cream
In the same vein as the last idea on this summer bucket list for introverts, something me and my family always did during the summertime when I was growing up was make homemade ice cream. We had a device that looked like a giant butter churn that we would take turns spinning it until the cream, sugar, and flavor turned into ice cream.
However, you don’t actually need a fancy machine to do it, all you need is some ice, salt, and some plastic bags! You can check out this recipe on Delish, with homemade ice cream using ziplock backs!
7. Grab Your Camera and Practice Your Photography Skills
You don’t need some fancy camera and expensive equipment, grab your phone or digital camera and take some photos. I love doing this around the quiet parts of my city, or in the early morning, when the lighting is good and people aren’t out and about yet. It gives me the opportunity to appreciate the beauty around me without the social pressure that comes with busy places.
If going around town is too much, you can even take your camera to your backyard. Get a new perspective on the world that is right outside your window.
8. Cultivate a Plentiful Garden
One of my favorite ways to spend a summer evening is spending it in my garden. The sun has finally set, and I am not baking in the heat. It is the perfect time to work on my garden!
I have always been a huge plant person. My home is full of house plants and I always have a seasonal garden. So every summer I start my annual vegetable garden. It is full of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, strawberries, basil, rosemary, and more! It is so calming and fun to learn about cultivating a successful and bountiful garden. The bonus is, I can pop in my earphones and I don’t have to talk to anyone!
9. Solo Movie Marathon
Let’s be honest, this is on every single one of my bucket lists, there is never a bad time to watch movies in my opinion! But with the relaxing vibes that summer brings, I love to take a moment and watch some of my favorite films.
I love a good rom-com marathon and summer is the perfect time of year for those movies! But if I am being honest, I spend most of my solo movie marathons watching horror movies. Just preparing for the coming fall, which is my favorite time of the year!
10. Midnight Swim
The best thing about summer is the perfect swimming weather. However, this is also one of the worst things for an introvert. Everyone and their best friend have the idea to go swimming, which makes going to a public pool, lake, or beach very overwhelming.
So, whenever I am in the mood for a dip in some cool water, I do it while everyone is asleep! Being near the beach makes this easy, but you might be able to find a lake or a friend’s pool that you can use. There is something so refreshing about taking a swim in a pool under the stars!
For more ideas to add to your summer bucket list for introverts, check out this post from Psychology Junkie, with 50 different ideas!
Introverts need to take special self-care to recharge their batteries, and the summertime is perfect for that. I am a huge believer in taking care of yourself, whatever that means. So take time for yourself and enjoy everything summer has to offer!
