New Year’s Day isn’t the only time to make a fresh start. Today is the first day of summer and it’s the perfect opportunity to make changes to improve your life and the lives of those around you.

Learn CPR.

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer in United States. Learning CPR and performing on a person in distress may mean the difference between life and death. CPR regulations now say hands-only CPR can be just as effective as mouth-to-mouth. Learn CPR in two minutes by watching a video, reading an illustrated article or registering for a class.

Get thrifty.

Shopping secondhand, thrift stores and consignment can save money, be friendly for the environment and benefit socially good organizations. Here is a list of online stores, or search for your local thrift stores online. Here’s a safety checklist when in doubt about purchasing certain items. Don’t forget the library to borrow books, music, DVDs!

Research your family tree.

It’s estimated that over 100 million seek out information about their family tree. Make it a summer project to learn as much as you can about your family history. Technology makes it easier than ever. “More and more information is being posted online everyday,” said Patty Archer, an avid amateur genealogist who has tracked her lineage back 10 generations. Here’s our guide to help you get started.

Pick a serial activity.

Some of the most creative blogs are those which chronicle a repeated activity (like Wave at the Bus, Mila’s Daydreams, Back to the Future). Use this summer to start an activity you’ve always wanted to try. Repeat it each day or do one small part toward a greater goal. You’ll have a sense of accomplishment at the end of summer (whether or not you share it with the world.)

Help someone.

Whether it’s a random act of kindness, like paying for someone’s coffee behind you in the drive-thru, or visiting with an elderly neighbor and offering to trim her bushes, helping other people you can relieve stress, guilt, discomfort and suffering, studies show.

Find your local farmer’s market.

The best organic food is what’s grown closest to you, according to LocalHarvest.org, where you can find farmers’ markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area. Here are several tips on making the most of your visit.

Plant a tree.

These days you can plant a tree without even breaking ground in your own backyard. Supporting organizations like TreeNation, Mvule Project, Eden Reforestation Project and Tree City U.S.A. will help fulfill the global need to plant 30 billion trees per year.

Take up yoga.

The mind, body and spirit are all connected and when a person suffers from mild depression or anxiety, the body is out of balance. Yoga is a series of stretches that helps bring balance to the body; not just focusing on the body’s health, but also on the mind and spirit. Here are 12 poses for beginners.

Express yourself.

Write, paint, draw, collage, photograph – represent your world creatively and share with others, or keep it to yourself. Studies support the benefits of creative expression as a means to overcome difficult times.

Watch TV!

Halogen has a great summer series to beat the summer doldrums. July 10-17 we’re featuring an Anti-Boredom week with marathons all of our best shows, like “Food Jammers,” “Departures,” “Glutton for Punishment” and more.

What are your plans this summer?