Summer is a season that many look forward to – it’s the holiday time here in Australia and gives us a chance to enjoy the things we may not have time for during the year. Generally speaking, we can get some pretty hot and sunny weather, prompting many to go out to the beaches with friends and family and soak up the sun and atmosphere. But if you’re not too keen on heading out this summer, then there’s still plenty of ways you can enjoy the holiday season at home – and you don’t need a pool to do it!
1. Read a book
There’s nothing like cosying up in winter with a good book – well, the same can be said for summer. Grab your favourite paperback or e-reader, set up a chair outside and you’re ready to go. Whether you’re on Melbourne’s much-beloved exposed aggregate concrete or a grassy patch, the natural light will make reading a breeze – especially if you’ve brought a pair of sunglasses with you. If you’re using an e-reader, then ensure your brightness is at max to combat the glare, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your exposed skin.
2. Host a party/barbecue
There’s plenty of fun to be had during summer backyard parties – especially when there’s delicious food involved – so clean those barbecues and get cooking. If you don’t have any outdoor furnishings, then you can always hire some foldable chairs and tables fairly inexpensively specifically for the occasion. Otherwise, depending on the type of food you’re having, you can always just lay some blankets down and have a picnic instead. There are always ways around it.
3. Consider meditation or yoga
A fabulous way to soak up the summer ambience is to just relax outdoors. If you’re someone who needs to be doing something though, then why not consider mediation or yoga? Meditation is relaxation with a purpose and can help you re-centre your ambitions and prioritise your goals as well as relieve stress. Even just 10 minutes a day is better than nothing and you’ll feel revitalised and calmer afterwards.
If you’re looking for a more active approach and would like to get in shape as well as re-align your mind, then yoga is the outlet for you. Yoga is highly beneficial for your mind, body and soul and can help you stay in shape and relieve/mitigate stress. Breathing is as much a part of yoga as the stretches and techniques.
There are yoga mats available for purchase at several different price points so even if you’re just thinking of trying it out you can buy a fairly cheap one from Kmart and lay it out in the backyard. There are free videos available on YouTube or even instructional mobile applications so you can get the hang of it. Once you feel comfortable enough, you can try forming your own flows using what you’ve learnt.
4. Tend to your yard
Gardening can be a rewarding activity – especially in the summer when it feels so nice to be outdoors. There are plenty of plants that will both thrive and also need some extra care in the hotter seasons so it’s a good time to get out there and put in the hours. If you have a veggie patch or are looking to start one, then tomatoes, sweet potatoes and even cucumbers are just a few of the vegetables that will grow in summer.
Concentrating on the garden can be a relaxing pastime, but summer is also a good time to do some landscaping – even if it’s just some DIY stuff – so if you’ve had some changes in mind, now is the perfect time to take action.
5. Get a firepit
For those milder evenings, a firepit is an exceptional idea as it’ll provide a source of warmth whilst also acting as a conversation piece. Invite some friends over and toast marshmallows with them. A firepit, with the right accessory, can also become a coal or wood-fire barbecue which is great for a different sort of cooking experience. Coal-fire steaks can be especially delicious when cooked properly.
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A Better Driveway are the experts of exposed aggregate in Melbourne. Whether you’re after a new driveway or path, our contractors will deliver high-quality solutions in a timely and unobtrusive manner so you can enjoy a premium exposed aggregate concrete product for years to come.
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