When the sun shines in England, we’re all desperate to be out the door. However, a few minutes into sunbathing and we can start to feel – surely not – bored?! A little planning before you rush outside can help you stay happy in the sunshine for longer, and you won’t need to take more than your bag. Explore five options for staying entertained while sunbathing – and don’t forget your sunscreen.
Put your headphones in
Audio entertainment pairs naturally with time in the sun because it allows you to relax without staring at a screen, letting you lie back with your eyes closed and switch off for a while. Audiobooks are set to be one of the most popular pastimes for Brits this year, as people turn to screen-free activities and social media is sparking a reading revival. Alternatively, you could design a curated playlist that boosts those ‘summer vibes’ or explore your passions through podcasts.
If you plan to wear your wireless headphones for a long time, choose a comfortable pair, such as an over-the-head design or an in-ear style, based on your preference. Consider their weight and how they will feel on hot, sweaty skin. When you are finished, please download your audio for entertainment at home. You can enjoy it distraction-free wherever you go, even in the boonies.
Play smartphone games
Our smartphones are portable powerhouses, connecting us not only to one another but to the wider world, through the internet and mobile apps. Dipping in and out of quick-play casual games like online slots or puzzles is a great way to break up and bring fun to a lazy afternoon without them absorbing all your time.
Pick games that work offline and lower your screen brightness to conserve battery life. Try and find a shady spot if you feel your phone getting hot!
Turn to a book
Reading remains one of the simplest ways to enjoy a peaceful afternoon outdoors, a classic favourite that’s never fallen out of style. Many readers find they concentrate more easily outside because everyday household distractions fade into the background. Books are easy to transport, too – in fact, with a tablet, you can carry an entire library in one lightweight, customisable device, with the benefit of an anti-glare screen! The only drawback is the battery life – and for some, missing that ‘new book smell’.
A novel allows you to lose yourself in another world, whether it’s a historic era, an unfamiliar country or a fantasy land. A non-fiction, such as a biography or travel book, can give you fresh perspectives and spark ideas for your summer plans. You can find inspiration on reputable book review sites, at your local bookshop or from friends who are fellow bookworms.
Start a new series
If you prefer visual entertainment, a television series makes a quiet afternoon pass quickly, and can be enjoyed on your smartphone, tablet or laptop to suit your preferences and what’s most convenient. Download a few episodes onto your chosen device before heading out, to ensure you can play them anywhere.
Light comedies, documentaries and easy-going dramas suit shorter viewing sessions because you can stop between episodes without losing track of the story. They also complement the cheerful summer atmosphere.
Get creative
Keen to stay screen-free? Opt for creative hobbies that fit easily into a beach bag and let your imagination keep your sunbathing session interesting. Even simple activities can feel rewarding because you leave with something you have made rather than simply consumed.
Grab a sketchbook and capture the scene in front of you or doodle mindlessly, or buy an adult colouring book and let your mind wander while you fill in the templates. Write in your journal, in a diary style or jotting down ideas, lyrics, poems – anything that springs to mind. Pick up a crochet kit or continue a knitting project. Really, there are endless ways to exercise your creativity in the sunshine.
