A nurse’s bucket list: 10 things you need to do before summer ends

Shutterstock | Ditty_about_summer

Summer is on its way out, and that’s a veritable bummer. But you know what’s not? Having an excuse to absolutely tear through your (potentially) untouched summer-season bucket list.

And if you don’t already have such a list? Don’t panic. We have some ideas.

1. Treat yourself to a digital detox.

If there’s one thing a nurse needs, it’s a day off from, well, the world.

Take your work-free day to the next level by making it equally tech-free (seriously—go cold turkey) so you can enjoy all of your favorite activities without distraction. Bring a book to lunch, go on a long walk—whatever floats your boat, sans phone. And yes, that includes Instagram and Twitter.

We can’t make any guarantees, but you may just find you’re that much more refreshed and feelin’ good at the start of a new day.

2. Have a really, really long brunch date with your friends.

You may have to plan it weeks in advance, but we have absolute faith that you can do it.

Just a handful of friends, one restaurant, a Sunday morning and zero obligations (for at least four hours).

3. Have a garage sale.

Nurses are up to their ears in stress on a daily basis. Removing all the excess clutter in an environment that’s meant to make you feel comfortable and relaxed (aka the home) can have a surprisingly cathartic effect.

The extra cash doesn’t hurt, either.

4. Go for a picnic.

Easy enough, right? Just get out there, soak up the sunshine and catch up with somebody who’s been sittin’ pretty at the top of your “call so-and-so” list for a while now. Trust us—there will be more than enough time later for lattes and Netflix binges.

P.S. Night-shift nurses (in particular)—we’re looking at you. A healthy dose of daylight can be a wonderful thing.

5. Take an almost obscene amount of pictures.

Graduation day doesn’t have to be the last time you’re photographed.

Take advantage of all that summer splendor to capture more of your memorable moments. The photos will come in handy later when you’re in need of a sweet memory to cheer you up on a rainy day.

6. Dip your toes into some new hobbies.

Not every new hobby sticks. If you must, take to your “dying to try” Pinterest board for some inspiration and give a few of the more enticing activities or projects a whirl.

Find a hobby that feels like more like a welcome distraction from the stress and busyness of nursing rather than just another commitment—a new, “evergreen” interest won’t leave you hanging when fall and winter roll around.

7. Accomplish a personal fitness goal.

If there were ever a time to do it, it’s here and now, while longer, warmer days are still hard at work keeping your energy level high (well, higher than usual, at least).

And try not to think of this as the “least pleasant” box to check off. It doesn’t have to be anything incredibly different—just satisfying, like that hike you’ve been putting off.

8. Take a trip—even if it’s a short one.

Take full advantage of your getaway, whether that’s catching up on much-needed sleep, wearing all your favorite (and yet still unworn) summer clothes or going for a swim…in the morning, in the evening and in the morning again.

Don’t worry if you can’t put a whole lot of distance between you and your everyday surroundings—there’s something to be said for avoiding flight delays, super-long car rides and misplaced luggage.

9. Prepare your favorite summer dish.

There’s nothing like the chill of fall or winter to make a market run feel like cruel and unusual punishment, especially at the end of a long shift. Summer, however, is another story.

Now it may be a while since you’ve embarked on any culinary adventures, and your return may be modest, but the kitchen really can be a place of pleasant distraction.

Maybe it’s time you gave it another go.

10. Change up your look.

It’s hard for nurses to find the time to play around with their look. Whether it’s revamping your wardrobe or simply trying on new lipstick, it’s important to give yourself permission to work on yourself every once in a while.

And if you ask us, we think you’ve more than earned it.

Nurses—what’s on your summer bucket list? Tell us in the comments section below!