Summer time: when our hair lightens, our skin darkens, the water gets warmer, our drinks get colder, music gets louder, days get longer, and life gets better. A time when we need to cut ties and sail away from the safe harbour, try new things, and be a little more spontaneous!

1. Jump in a lake

There is nothing more exhilarating than a spontaneous swim in a lake, be it skinny dipping or fully clothed. Don’t worry about your hair mincing or frizzing, what you look like in your bikini, or the cold water. Go jump in a lake!

2. Talk to a stranger…and make friends

When you’re walking down the street or buying your groceries, take the time to talk to a stranger. You never know where you may make a good friend.

3. Build a sandcastle, Instagram it, and then destroy it

Embrace the kid inside you and build a sandcastle or sandman (summer version of the snowman). Make it as elaborate or simple as you wish. Document your tremendous efforts and then enjoy the pleasure of destroying it!

4. Take an unplanned road trip

Gather your closest friends together, climb into the car, and drive. Just drive. You don’t need a destination; just let the road take you wherever it pleases.

5. Run through a sprinkler

What’s wrong with acting like a kid again every now and then?

6. Donate to charity

Make a donation to your favourite charity or go through your wardrobe for clothes you no longer wear. Be ruthless – someone out there needs them more than you do.

7. Stargaze

Collapse in the grass and absorb the night sky. It’s a great way to get some peace and perspective if you’re feeling stressed out.

8. Buy flowers for yourself

You are beautiful, amazing, fabulous…what other reason do you need for spoiling yourself once in a while?

9. Throw a party for no reason

You can make up a reason if you want, but what better reason than a party to celebrate “nothing and everything”. Stock up with all sorts of cakes and treats or create your own cocktails. Trust me, your friends won’t complain!

10. Have a fashion show and take selfies

Get dressed in all of your (or your mom’s) outrageous outfits and pose for a few carefree pictures. These will be worth millions a few years down the line at your friend’s wedding or little brother’s 21st!

11. Bake without a recipe

Create a masterpiece without following the recipe and see how it turns out. You’ll be surprised at how freeing not following the directions can be!

12. Conquer your fears

If you’re afraid of heights, bungee jump; if you’re terrified of sharks, go shark cage diving; if you’re scared of the ocean, go sailing…you get the idea.

13. Tell people you love them

If there is one thing we should do more of, it’s to let those closest to us know how much they mean to us. It’s 3 words. It can’t be that hard, can it?

14. Play a practical joke on someone

It doesn’t have to be April Fools to play a joke on a friend or family member. Whether it’s a prank call or a trick, this is what memories are made of. Get as creative as you possibly can!

15. Have a garage sale

Clear out all your unused clutter, set up a table in your driveway, and have a garage sale. It’s also a great way to network with your neighbours! Refresh your friends with a jug of lemonade or cocktails!

16. Rearrange your furniture

Feel like a change? Rearrange your furniture for a fresh new look. One small change can make all the difference.

17. Enter a running race

Don’t think about it, just do it. Once you’re signed up, you’ll feel more motivated to train.

18. Write a blog

You don’t have to be a fantastic writer to have a blog (but you should ask someone to edit your work for you). If you’re not much of an internet fundi, journals work just as well to record your daily summer shenanigans.

19. Dance in the rain

Capitalise on the wet summer days and dance in the rain! Do it alone or with friends – either way, you’ll feel like a completely new person afterwards.

20. Memorise 5 good jokes

Having at least 5 great jokes (that you won’t ruin by foretelling the punch line) will do you the world of good at dinner parties and dates if you’re not good with small talk.

21. Sing

Your family and roommates will hate you for this, but sometimes the need to sing, be it in the shower, at a karaoke bar, or in the safety of your home, overcomes you – hairbrush microphone and all.

22. Volunteer

Summer is a great time to give of your time and effort to others. Sign up to volunteer for the SPCA, TEARS, or a charity bookshop near you. If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, consider spending time and running errands for your grandparents.

What other spontaneous ideas do you have to celebrate summer? Let loose, go wild, and have fun!