The Live Life Now List

Plan and Live Your Best Life—Starting Today!

Austa Somvichian-Clausen

• Publisher: Adams Media
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN: 9781507217979
• eBook ISBN: 9781507217986
• Topic: Personal Development
• Subtopic: Mental Health & Wellbeing

Kickstart your social life with over 325 fun-filled activities designed to help you make new friends, bond with your family, and make the most out of every day. What do you want to do today? That's easy—simply gather some friends and pick out your next adventure from The Live Life Now List. If you're struggling to figure out your weekend plans, trying to avoid the same-old activities you and your friends do every night, or simply can't stand to spend another night on the couch, this book has you covered. From planning the perfect themed dinner party to checking out the latest nightlife hotspots, simply pick-and-choose from over 350 fun and unique activities that are sure to kickstart your social plans. Try activities like:
-Living like a tourist in your own city by visiting an unexplored neighborhood
-Reconnecting with old friends through double dating
-Visiting your childhood competitive game of laser tag with your siblings
-And many more!Whether you're looking to meet new friends, bond with old ones, or spend more time with your family, you'll soon be able to keep your social calendar packed with fun and exciting activities everyone can enjoy.

CHAPTER 1 Explore Your Area

There’s a certain thrill to traveling to distant destinations, but don’t forget about the possibilities of backyard travel, either. Sometimes all it takes is a mindset shift to see your own town with fresh eyes.

This chapter is here to help you open yourself up to the opportunities all around you, with tons of helpful suggestions on how to explore your own city or town, engage with your friends and loved ones in interesting new ways, and love and appreciate this place you call home.

Rather than heading to the same place for brunch this weekend, why not head to the park for a picnic with your friends? If you’ve been looking to spice up your weekdays, maybe it’s time to try something new, like working from hotel lobbies around town, finding a new route on your way home from the office, or taking the initiative on planning some happy hours or lunch dates with your colleagues. These are just a few ways you can unlock the potential of your own area. Now get out and explore!

Set Up Morning Coffee Dates

It’s all too easy to fall into the rut of starting your day by rolling out of bed, chugging your first cup of coffee, and cracking open your laptop—especially if you have a hard time with work-life balance! Instead, start your day with fresh air and conversation by setting up morning coffee dates with your friends. Whether you’ve been meaning to check out a new café down the street or you’re bringing your own travel mugs for a walk in the park, morning meetups are an easy way to fit more friend time into your busy schedule and wake your brain and body up for a better day ahead.

Choose an Area and Act Like a Tourist

There are certain activities that locals leave to the tourists. The truth, though, is that there’s a reason tourists enjoy doing them. Sure, it can feel cheesy, but it turns into major fun when you bring friends along and fully lean in to the trope. Hop on a cable car, ride a sightseeing bus, breeze along on the ferry—whatever your city offers. By the end of the day, you’ll have learned more about your own city and had a lot of laughs along the way.

Gather Friends Together for an Afternoon Picnic

You know that park you always walk by on your usual route? You may not have thought about it, but that park can serve as a lunch spot. Not only are park picnics a great way to take in some fresh air; they don’t require a reservation and have no time limits on how long you can stay (unless the sun starts to dip).

HOW IT WORKS

On a sunny weekend afternoon, grab some friends and walk over to your local market to gather some food to enjoy in the park. Great options include a charcuterie board, chips, finger sandwiches, and fresh fruit. Don’t forget to bring an ample amount of water and a few other fun beverages. Entertainment options are also a must, like a deck of cards, books to read, and a portable speaker.

Accompany Your Dog-Owning Friends to the Dog Park

Who says you have to have a dog in order to take advantage of the dog park? Petting friendly canines has actually been scientifically proven to be good for your mental health, which is more than enough reason to set up a date with your friend who just got that cute new puppy. Some parks even allow pups to run around sans leash at certain hours of the morning or night, making a trip to your local dog park the best way to start or cap off your day. Grab some coffees and then make your way to the closest green space together, letting Fido play while you catch up.

Take a Guided Tour Around Town

Taking a walking tour around your neighborhood is a great way to learn facts about its history and to get the insider scoop on interesting touch points around town. If you have friends and family who don’t live close by, invite them to come visit you for a weekend and do the tour together. It’s fun to share the places you love with the people you love, and it’ll give you an opportunity to get amped about your area all over again, regardless of how long you’ve been living there.

BONUS TIP

For extra fun, try a tour with a theme. Depending on where you are, there are a plethora of interesting options: celeb-spotting tours, nighttime ghost tours, or one that focuses on the location’s unique architecture.

Print Out a Map and Let Your Friends Circle Their Favorite Spots

You no doubt have a map application on your phone that makes it easy to find your way around, but there’s still something to be said about an old-fashioned printed map. This activity is perfect for someone who just moved into town, and it’s a fun way to bring your friends together to learn about your new area.

HOW IT WORKS

The first step is purchasing or printing a map of your city. Next, have each of your friends circle one of their favorite spots in town. Create an itinerary that hits all the locations highlighted on the map, or pick just one and then use the rest of your friends’ picks as a guide for what to do together the next couple of weekends.

Bring a Camera with You on a Walk (and Leave Your Phone)

Explore your area without even leaving the neighborhood—it’s all about perspective, anyway. Next time you plan on taking a stroll around with a friend, try leaving your phones at home and bring your cameras instead, whether that means an old point-and-shoot from 2005, a Polaroid, or a DSLR. Stop and take the time to photograph things you hadn’t noticed before: fun signs, art, interesting people, flowers in bloom. Afterward, head over to a café or your place and compare your findings. You’ll be shocked at how different your photos ended up, which is the fun of photography. If you’re looking for some new art to put on your walls, have your favorites printed and put in fun frames.

Meet Up with a Friend in Their Neighborhood

Have a friend who lives across town and who you usually meet somewhere in the middle? It may be time to hop on the subway and make your way over to their neighborhood for a change. Not only will they be relieved that they can stay put, but you’ll also get the opportunity to check out what they love about where they’ve put down roots. In exchange for the trip over, ask them to put together an afternoon itinerary of their favorite spots in the neighborhood, starting with their go-to breakfast or brunch spot and then moving on to shops, parks, gardens, galleries, and more. Next time, you two can switch roles.

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Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Explore Your Area
• Chapter 2: Become the Host(ess) with the Most(ess)
• Chapter 3: Get Active
• Chapter 4: Plan a More Creative Date Night
• Chapter 5: Reconnect with Your Family
• Chapter 6: Experience the Great Outdoors
• Chapter 7: Meet New Friends
• Chapter 8: Seek More Thrills
• Chapter 9: Stay Social While Solo Traveling
• Chapter 10: Take a Bucket List Trip
• About the Author
• Index
• Copyright