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Out of all the seasons, summer is the one most people look forward to the most and, of course, it seems to go by the fastest. Before you know it we’ll be packing away the sandals, throwing on a sweater, working full weeks (summer Friday’s in effect, anyone?) and sending the kids back to school. So why not make these next 60 or so days extra special by doing some summer (and some non season-specific) things to nourish your mind, body and soul? Here are Madame Noire’s top 10 things to take time for you, put fun first and have a slammin’ summer. Ready Madames? Let’s go!

1. Get Wet! Run through a sprinkler, jump in a pool, go to the beach and actually take a dip in the water. You can always do your hair later. Check our summer hair tips here.

2. Take A Trip. If your budget allows, make sure to plan a weekend away with your spouse, partner, girlfriends, or even go solo. Traveling to a new city, state, or country should be an opportunity to reduce stress, enjoy new surroundings and bring pleasure into your life. You deserve it.

3. Take On Your Town Like A Tourist. Sometimes, because we have constant access to a zoo, museum or cultural center, we take them for granted and zip right past them. Living in a big city, I only realized how much I once ignored the sites when visitors came to town and said: “Hey, what’s that place like,” and I was embarrassed that I had no idea. I changed the way I view my city. Next time, go in and experience or learn something new.

4. Take A Class. Always wanted to learn how to make sushi? There’s a cooking class for that. Need to perfect your back stroke? There’s a YMCA class for that, too. Computer skills lacking? You already know the answer…get to it and start your research for a link for that class.

5. Act Like It’s Christmas And Make A List. Picture everything that your ultimate summer would include and then write it down, says Laura Vanderkam, author of 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think. Write the big stuff (rent a summer share for a week) and the little things (spend a day at the beach with the family) and keep the list visible. You don’t have to cross off every item, but you’ll savor the ones you do.

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