Once summer hits, it’s expected (read: highly encouraged) to make the most out of each day. While many of us like to work up a sweat in various capacities outdoors, it’s simply not feasible to be going hard all day, every day. Make sure to leave yourself ample time and space to relax this summer, which doesn’t necessarily mean lying around on the couch. Relax outdoors with laid-back activities either on your own or with your friends, treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa day, or do something as simple as eating dinner at a nearby park to enjoy a summer evening.
Wearing clothing made with 37.5 Technology will help ensure you stay cool and comfortable all day, bringing that relaxation up a notch. The activated particles embedded in the fabric will also help your body maintain a comfortable level of temperature and humidity—no matter what the weather is doing. Here are some suggestions for the best ways to spend some time chilling out this summer.

1. Hit the Beach

Spending a day at the beach is a summertime rite of passage. Swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and relaxing with a good book are a good way to unwind. But being out in the sun too long can lead to unwanted—and dangerous—overexposure. Remember the sunscreen and get additional protection from the sun with a drapy, comfortable cover-up from Eclipse. For kids, it’s never a bad idea to bring sun sleeves along.

2. Golf

You don’t need to have your A-game to have fun at the driving range. Stay cool with a golf-specific shirt that helps keep your core temperature at the ideal 37.5 degrees Celsius, and you’ll be able to play all day. Does the idea of swinging a set of irons give you palpitations? There’s no shame in the mini-golf course, and the adrenaline rush of getting your ball in the crocodile’s mouth is just like hitting a 20-foot put out on the links. Well, at least it’s close.

3. Read a Book in a Hammock

A sunny day, a stand of shady trees, and your latest must-read. The best part about kicking back in a hammock is that there’s no time commitment. Many hammocks pack down to the size of a football and can be stashed in the back of your car for any time you have a spare hour to kick back in the park.

4. Enjoy a Spa Day

Go for gold—treat yourself to head-to-toe “me time.” Your feet are calloused, your legs and back are sore, and no shame, but there’s probably several layers of dirt embedded in your pores from whatever it is you’ve been doing outdoors. A pedicure, massage, facial, and deep conditioning treatment for chlorine-saturated hair are just what your body needs to feel refreshed. For your trip to the spa, consider some incredibly relaxing outwear from Cucumber. Its tiered dress is silky soft and made with 37.5 Technology, and you can wear it free-flowing or style it with a belt. You can pack it in your suitcase or gym bag, and when you pull it out it’s ready to wear. Other comfortable options include the drape knot tee and the wide leg culottes.

5. Float the River

Not much can beat a summer day spent floating down the river. Think a cooler stocked with your choice of beverages and a group of your closest friends all tied together on your tubes in a lazy, drifting current. Floating a river is the perfect activity for when the weather is too nice to be inside, but you don’t feel like exerting a lot of energy.

6. Stand-Up Paddleboard

Does floating the river seem a bit too easy? Grab a stand-up paddleboard and hit the water. Stand-up paddling looks deceptively easy, but it will surprise you with the level of balance and stability it takes to stay upright on the board, even in the flattest water. Taking the paddleboard to a pond or calm reservoir is a good place to start, and there’s no shame in sitting or kneeling on the board as you get a feel for the micro-adjustments and body tension it takes to stay upright.

7. Slackline

Like stand-up paddleboarding, hopping on a slackline for the first time can be considered an “active relaxation.” Setting up in a park means you can hang out all day, taking turns hopping on this wobbly piece of webbing. Bring a hammock and some reading material for downtime between tries on the line.

8. Take a Relaxing Yoga Class

Find a class indoors or outdoors and stretch out those sore muscles. You’d be hard-pressed to find yourself in a location without some sort of drop-in yoga offering. Most yoga studios have a wide variety of classes—look for something that matches your intention. If the goal is to relax, find a slow flow or yin class. Amp it up with goat yoga, or take it one step further with stand-up paddleboard yoga. Yes, this is a thing. Stay cool and comfortable with the right pants from Handful to help you get your savasana on.

9. Picnic in the Park

Eating outside makes even the most uninspired meal that much more exciting. It doesn’t take much planning to pack to-go boxes of your next meal and take them to the local park. Find a picnic table or spread a blanket out under a tree and enjoy the myriad benefits of spending time amongst the trees.

10. Grill it Up

It doesn’t have to be fancy, but the summertime barbecue is a must-do. Throw some burgers and hot dogs on the grill, throw a few rounds of corn hole, and enjoy this sweet season while it lasts. Of course, any guy knows that a Tommy Bahama shirt is the best way to stay comfortable while barbecuing.
Even after a day of relaxing, you’re still ready for a good night’s sleep. What better way to do so than with bedding from Pottery Barn Teen? The 37.5 Technology will help you stay at the right temperature all night long. If you’re off to college after the summer is over, Pottery Barn has a wide variety of products for your dorm room. Summer doesn’t last forever, so make sure to take advantage of it while it lasts.
Written by Matcha for 37.5.