With the unofficial start of summer coming up in a few weeks, we want you to make the most out of your day off and spend the day treating yourself right. Sitting inside all day can seem like torture in contrast to enjoying the summer sun. This Memorial Day, try spending your day outdoors surrounded with friends, family and fun! Take a look at some of our Memorial Day recommendations and let us know how you’re spending your day off by tagging us on Instagram! @fredandfar
1. Do some fitness in the sun
Moving your body is an essential part of taking care of yourself. Swap out your normal gym routine and take it outside! Bring your yoga mat to the beach, find a new trail to hike with friends, take a walk around your neighborhood or bring your weights outdoors. Not only will you still get in a solid workout, but you’ll be getting a sufficient amount of Vitamin D that a lot of us lack from sitting indoors at our desks all day. Nothing screams fun in the sun like doing something good for your body and mind.
2. Volunteer in your community
Volunteering over Memorial Day Weekend is a perfect way to give back to your community! Search around for a beach cleanup or park restoration. These would be great activities to get your community in beautiful shape for the start of the summer and are great opportunities to get the whole family involved because everyone can do something! Not only will you get more actively involved on a local level, but you will have the chance to spend time with neighbors you might not normally see and beautify your community for all to enjoy for the months ahead.
3. Write letters to servicemen and women
Memorial Day is all about honoring the people who died while serving in our country’s armed forces. What better way to honor our troops and support those currently fighting for our country than to let them know how much we appreciate their service? Take a few minutes during your long weekend to write a few letters to servicemen and women, either those you know or through an organization that mails letters and packages to those abroad. Operation Gratitude is a great site where you can donate and write thank you letters. Plus, they give you tips on things to write!
4. Host or Attend a Barbecue
Barbeques are a staple to kicking off summer over Memorial Day weekend. Hosting and organizing can often lead to more stress than enjoyment, so if you do choose to host we recommend keeping it small or hosting it at a public barbeque space (check your beaches or parks for more info) so it’s easy to clean up! If you’re more of an attendee rather than a host, be sure to spring a summer treat or games to play! Allow yourself this time to relax and enjoy the company of your friends and family, after all, that’s what a long weekend is for!
5. Go see the fireworks on the beach
Growing up in a beach town, one of my fondest Memorial Day weekend memories is watching the waves of fireworks up and down the coast. Search your community websites and find the best fireworks show to enjoy on Monday night and bring a cozy blanket to cuddle up and watch the show! Bonus idea: bring s’mores materials and have a bonfire before the show!
We hope these ideas make your Memorial Day Weekend planning a bit easier, and a lot more fun! Don’t forget to share what you’re doing with us on Instagram, @fredandfar, and enjoy your long weekend surrounded by family and friends!