1. Take a hike

Lace up your hiking boots and get “off the beaten track” for some adventuring. You don’t have to go far... Kings Park or Bold Park have some wonderful hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy. Make a day of it and pack some portable speakers and a picnic lunch. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and keep active. It’s good for your heart, great for reducing anxiety and you never know, you might find a new favourite spot!

2. Become a kitchen wiz

Summer is a wonderful time to explore new foods with a lot of locally sourced produce being in season ensuring freshness. Why not learn some new recipes or try something new… the Asian food markets can be a great source of inspiration. You never know, you may stumble upon some delicious, delectable delicacies that you may never have heard of. Invite friends or family over to enjoy your culinary delights!

3. Get green – grow a herb garden

Growing your own herbs is a terrific method to encourage a healthy lifestyle and teach the same to your children. Gardening can be a lot of fun and herbs such as basil, mint or chives are very easy to grow in just about any type of soil. The growing space can be anything from a wooden crate to a large jar to an old tyre, and you don't need a lot of room. Herbs aren’t cheap at the supermarket, so you’ll save a few dollars too.

4. Become an up-cycling pro

Up-cycling (repurposing or modifying an old or unwanted item into something new) has become a popular and sustainable trend. Hunt around your garage or pop into a second-hand/op shop to find some rustic treasure that you can transform and breathe new life into with a fresh lick of paint or an imaginative reinvention. One person’s trash can often be another’s treasure!

5. Fitness challenge

Set yourself a fitness goal and gradually build up to it. It could be a 1000m swim, 50 push-ups or a 5km walk or run. Start off small and keep adding a little extra onto your routine each day. There are so many benefits of introducing any amount of physical activity into your life for the body and the mind.

6. Do a random act of kindness

Random acts of kindness are some of the most fulfilling and soul gratifying things you could ever do. This is even more special when it is done for a complete stranger. Buy something extra while shopping and donate it to a charitable organisation, pay for someone’s parking, go to an aged care facility and have a chat with a few of the residents or just give someone an unexpected compliment. The possibilities are endless!

Enjoy your Summer… Be sun-smart and stay healthy and well in body and mind :)

6 Fun Activities to do this Summer