5 summer habits worth keeping all year long

I’m still enjoying the lazy days of late summer, but I know a lot of people are transitioning into back-to-school season. Life often feels different in fall and winter than it does in summer. That’s fine, but I do think there are a few summer habits worth keeping all year long. Here are five of my favorites.

1. Going outside after dinner. I grant that going outside in the evening might feel less pleasant in January. But it is possible, even in the dark, and there are upsides to avoiding hibernation. If it’s just cold, but not sleeting or anything like that, go for a walk. It doesn’t work to keep our hot tub open all year, but for places with that as an option, sitting in the hot water (with a very cold nose!) might be a fun backyard option. And of course there are fire pits and such. Part of the fun of the holidays in December is that the season encourages people to get outside in the evenings to see the lights. TOAD time (Time Outside After Dinner) can be a year-long phenomenon.

2. Give each week a theme. This one might sound random, but one of the reasons kids tend to like summer camps is that they often get to focus on a particular theme for the week — one that matches their interests. It’s not a bad idea for life in general. Choose something to focus on each week. What deserves some special attention at work? Or maybe there’s something in your personal life. You could have an “Italian food” themed week, or a “send thank you letters to all my mentors” week, or an arts and crafts week doing something creative during your Golden Hours. What kind of camp would you sign up for? That could definitely make a random November week more memorable.