After a long year of difficult coursework, excruciating exams, tiring extracurriculars, and a jam-packed schedule, summer is finally here!

Unfortunately, many students struggle to optimize their free time, opting for excessive screen time and days spent “rotting”. Crafting a summer bucket list, whether digital or on paper, can help create a summer filled with fun, self-improvement, productivity, and good memories. So grab some paper, pens, and stickers (or a cute Canva template), and get ready to craft the perfect summer bucket list!

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Why Create a Bucket List?

You may be wondering, “Why even create a bucket list in the first place”? While making a bucket list may seem time-consuming, their many benefits make the time worth it. Not only can bucket lists foster a sense of direction, purpose, and satisfaction, but they are also super fun to create!

Steps to Crafting the Perfect Bucket List:

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1. Set Some Big Goals

Before crafting your bucket list, it's a good idea to set 3 to 4 big goals you’d like to work towards this summer (and ideally beyond). Of course, make sure the goals you set are obtainable and cater to your interests, as setting unrealistic goals will discourage you from pursuing them in the first place.

Another important thing to remember is to create a diverse list of goals, enriching you across different scopes within your life. Personally, the big goals I set for myself this summer include academic growth, prioritizing my physical health, spending quality time with family and friends, and fostering my creativity. After setting these goals, I was able to better cater my bucket list items to my needs and desires.

For example, one of my bucket list items is to develop a consistent gym routine, which will allow me to make strides in prioritizing my physical health. These big goals will help transform your bucket list from a supposedly unrelated list of items to an interconnected list, allowing you to achieve your bigger goals and boosting your intrinsic motivation to complete bucket list items.

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2. It’s Time to Get Crafting!

Now that you’ve set some big goals for yourself, it's time to get creative! Although there’s no magic number to how many bucket list items you should have, try aiming for at least 3-4 items per big goal. Again, make sure that you’re not overshooting, as doing so will only discourage you.

Treat your bucket list items as tangible steps you can take and habits you can create that will allow you to make progress on your goals. For instance, if one of your goals this summer is to become a stronger writer, some items you may want to include on your bucket list are daily journaling, learning 10 new vocabulary words per week, or maybe applying to be a writer for The Teen Magazine. While each item on your bucket list may not seem significant on its own, altogether, completing your bucket list will indeed better you and your life.

For your bucket list to be extra fun, make it aesthetic and custom to you! Whether it's through cool calligraphy, glitter glue, or fun stickers, finding ways to personalize your bucket list will make you more inclined to complete it.

3. Display it

After completing your bucket list, display it! Try to put your bucket list in a place where you look or check often (such as above your desk or in your mirror). The more exposed you are to your bucket list, the more likely you are to accomplish it.

Some Ideas for Your Bucket List

If you’re getting stuck thinking of bucket list ideas, feel free to reference this list, as well as other resources available online, for some inspiration.

Note—as these are pretty general ideas, you should specify/alter them to your own life and circumstances.

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1. Bucket list ideas for self-reflection/growth

• Daily journaling—You can either utilize prompts (you can check out some journaling tips here), or you can simply free write.
• Daily meditation—Whether you decide to utilize guided meditation resources or create your own, daily meditation reaps many physical and mental benefits.
• Write a letter to your future self.
• Make a time capsule.
• Keep a dream journal—Dream journaling improves dream recall, allowing you to better tap into your subconscious and explore new aspects of yourself. Make sure to keep your journal (and a pen) next to your bed, so you remember to log your dreams as soon as you wake up.
• Start volunteering for a cause you care about.

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2. Bucket list ideas for social activities

• Host a summer party—play music, host games, and most importantly, have fun with the people you love!
• Have a pool/lake/beach day.
• Host a potluck (where each friend brings a different dish).
• Stay in touch with your friends daily—can be in person or virtual, such as through texting or Facetime.
• Explore—discover a new city, attraction, or restaurant with your friends.

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3. Bucket list ideas for skills/hobbies

• Learn a new language—there are many free resources available online, such as Duolingo.
• Sign up for a course/workshop.
• Test out new cooking or baking recipes.
• Learn to crochet or sew.
• Master a musical instrument.

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4. Bucket list ideas for academic growth

• If you’re a rising senior—begin working on your personal statement and supplementals, and try to fill in any gaps you may have in your college application.
• Read!
• Daily vocabulary practice—there are many apps and websites for learning new vocabulary.
• Start studying/researching a topic that interests you.
• Create a master plan for the upcoming school year.
• Delve into a passion project. Passion projects can encompass anything, from research to coding an app to starting your own business.

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5. Bucket list ideas for improved physical health

• Start going on daily walks or runs—Research has shown that exercising for approximately 30 minutes per day significantly boosts both physical health and mental well-being.
• If possible, create and stick to a consistent gym routine (home gyms are great too).
• Make an effort to eat cleaner—remember that you can and should eat whatever your body and heart desire, as long as everything is in moderation.
• Try out a new sport.
• Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Do yoga and daily stretching for improved flexibility and a better and more relaxed state of mind.

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6. Bucket list ideas for self-care

• Have a spa day—Face mask, nails, massage, everything shower, etc.
• Go a full day without your phone—Use your phone less day to reflect, relax, and boost productivity.
• Stick to a more consistent morning/night routine.
• Connect with nature more often.

Creating a bucket list is the first step towards a better summer, and hopefully, a better and happier you. Most importantly, by taking this summer to relax, rejuvenate, and improve, you'll be on track for the best summer yet!