Hot girl summer, chill girl summer, that girl summer … so many things to do and what do all of these things mean?? Whatever you decide to “pursue” this summer (idk if that’s even the right term for it lol), the goal of my summer is just to be happy and enjoy life. I want to have a happy girl summer where I find joy in the small things and enjoy the outside as much as possible.

Tips to have a happy girl summer:

Take lots of long walks.

Explore new routes! Explore your town and try and find different walking routes. (While staying safe, obviously.)

Create fun pop playlists.

Find the songs of the summer (Hits Different, looking at you) and put them all in a playlist. Dance your heart out to these playlists and listen to them while you’re on your happy girl walk.

Read the books that you love.

I know all the summer reading guides will probably be out and you’re tempted to read the new releases and the “hit” books, but read what you love. If that means cheesy summer romance books, then so be it! If that means gory thrillers and horror novels, then let that be your summer! Life is too short to read books that you don’t want to read. Enjoy what you’re reading.

Spend time with friends—old and new.

Make friends in your area. If you’re living in a new city, which for some, you may be if you graduated from school and moved somewhere new for a job or internship. But also spend time with old friends, too! Make plans to go see a movie, visit a museum, or just grab dinner or drinks. We’re in our 20s and 30s now—schedule that time in your calendar if you have to.

Spend time with yourself.

Prioritize you this summer. Check in with yourself—especially if you’re more extroverted and prefer to spend time with other people. Don’t neglect your emotions, your needs, your wants. If you want to do something but your friends don’t want to, don’t be afraid to go someplace by yourself! (Stay safe, obviously.)

Check out events in your town or city.

Check your town’s or city’s calendar of events! There is always something going on in your area at least once a week, if not more. Maybe there’s a festival, show, discount restaurant week, or farmer’s market … whatever it is, get out and explore your town. You never know—you may just find the next hidden gem!

Make the memories.

You want to make these memories this summer as you embark on this happy girl summer, so why not document it? Take the photos, take videos, do what you can to savor each moment but don’t let the moments pass you by without documenting it. You can print out the photos and keep it in a journal if you wish to do so!

Overall, prioritize you this summer! I wish you the best of luck as you embark on this happy girl summer. Stay happy, stay healthy, stay YOU!