Tanning sessions can feel long when you’re just lying there doing nothing. Whether someone is soaking up sun at the beach or relaxing by the pool, having activities planned makes the time more enjoyable and productive.
The best things to do while tanning include reading books, listening to music or podcasts, practicing mindfulness activities, staying connected with friends, and trying creative hobbies that don’t require much movement.
These activities help pass time while still allowing people to focus on getting that perfect tan. Many tanners also enjoy combining self-care treatments like hair masks with their sun sessions.
1) Reading
You know what’s awesome to do while you’re soaking up the sun? Reading! Whether it’s chilling on a lounge chair by the water with a good book or flipping through a magazine, it’s a perfect way to pass the time while you get your tan on.
Books are like the ultimate beach buddies. Getting lost in a novel helps you relax and makes the tanning session fly by. If you’re feeling a bit more practical, travel guides are great too — you can daydream about your next adventure or plan what you’re gonna do later.
And if you want something lighter, magazines are super easy to dip in and out of. Fashion, lifestyle, travel — whatever floats your boat. They’re perfect when you don’t want to focus too hard but still want something fun to flip through.
2) Listen To Podcast and Music
Tanning just got a serious upgrade with audiobooks and podcasts! Forget staring at the ceiling or watching your tan lines slowly develop—pop in some headphones and let your ears do the exploring while your skin soaks up those rays.
Why audio is basically your new tanning BFF:
- Keeps your brain entertained so you’re not stuck in “Is it over yet?” mode.
- Hands are free for sunscreen slathering, snack munching, or that perfect lounge-chair adjustment dance.
- Time flies when you’re laughing, learning, or getting wrapped up in a story.
- You can multitask like a pro—tanning and soaking up knowledge or killer entertainment at the same time.
And here’s the best part: tanning is actually the perfect chill zone to really dive into audiobooks without distractions. Got a quick tan sesh?
Grab a short, punchy podcast. Planning to lounge for a while?
Pick a longer audiobook and get totally hooked.
Once you try this, silent tanning will feel like a thing of the past. Trust me, your ears and your tan will thank you!
3) Meditation & Deep Breathing
Tanning time isn’t just about catching rays—it’s the perfect excuse to slow down, breathe, and reset.
The sun’s warmth and that laid-back vibe basically set the stage for ultimate relaxation.
While you’re stretched out, try some simple breathing exercises. Just take slow, deep breaths in and out, and imagine the sun filling you up with calm, positive energy. It’s like charging your body and mind at the same time.
If you’re more of a daydreamer, visualization is your best friend. Close your eyes, picture yourself on your dream vacation, or imagine exploring somewhere new—it’s like a mini mental getaway while you tan.
Easy breathing routine to try:
- Inhale for 4 counts
- Hold for 4 counts
- Exhale for 6 counts
- Repeat 10–15 times
If you’re tanning at the beach, the sound of waves makes it even easier to slip into meditation mode. Nature basically does half the work for you.
And if lying still isn’t your thing? No problem. Go for a walking meditation—take slow, mindful steps along the sand between tanning sessions. You’ll get movement and a mental reset.
4) Journaling & Reflection
Tanning time isn’t just for soaking up the sun—it’s also prime time to soak up your own thoughts. The warmth, the stillness, the vibe… it’s basically the perfect backdrop for a little self-reflection or journaling session.
There’s something about writing in the sun that makes it easier to be real with yourself. Maybe it’s the calm, maybe it’s the vitamin D boost, but suddenly your thoughts just flow.
A few fun ways to journal while you tan:
- Jot down what happened today and how you feel about it
- Make a quick gratitude list (3 things you’re thankful for right now)
- Sketch out goals or dreams you want to chase
- Reflect on your relationships—who’s lifting you up, who’s draining you
- Capture any random dream or idea before it slips away
If you’re outdoors, let nature inspire you. Write about the waves, the birds, the way the sun feels on your skin. It’s like turning your surroundings into writing prompts.
Not into deep reflection? Keep it light. A short gratitude list or a couple of notes about your mood is enough. The point isn’t to write a masterpiece—it’s to connect with yourself.
Pro tip: bring a small waterproof notebook (or just protect your paper from sunscreen spills). Handwriting feels way more personal than typing on your phone—and bonus, it keeps you off screens while you chill.
At the end of the day, journaling while tanning is like a double recharge: your body gets the sun, and your mind gets some clarity. Win-win.
5) Catching Up With Friends
Tanning time = prime “phone a friend” time. You’re already lying there, warm and relaxed, so why not turn it into a mini social hour?
Longer tanning session? Perfect for a good old-fashioned phone call. Quick sun break? Fire off some texts, voice notes, or memes. Bonus points if you send a “wish you were here” selfie with your sunnies on.
Ways to stay connected while you tan:
- Voice call your bestie and spill the tea
- Hop on a video call just to flex your poolside setup
- Text a quick “thinking of you” or drop a funny GIF
- Send a voice message so you don’t have to squint at your screen
Pro tips for tanning convos:
✅ Keep it light—this is not the time for heavy life talks
✅ Go hands-free if you can (lying flat + holding a phone = arm workout you didn’t sign up for)
✅ Share the chill vibes—describe the sunshine, the waves, the iced drink in your hand
❌ Don’t talk so loud the whole beach knows your business
And honestly, summer schedules get wild. People travel, work, or get caught up in their own worlds. Using tanning time to check in is like sneaking in bonus connection time.
Not in the mood to talk? No worries. Quick texts, funny pics, or even a random meme drop totally count as keeping the friendship alive.
At the end of the day, tanning + chatting = double the good vibes. You get your vitamin D and your dose of friendship. Win-win.
6) Sketching or Drawing
If you’re the type who gets bored just lying there, why not turn tanning time into art time? The sun’s basically the best spotlight you’ll ever get, and the vibe is chef’s kiss for creativity.
All you really need is a sketchpad, a pencil, maybe an eraser (for when your “palm tree” looks suspiciously like a broccoli stalk), and you’re good to go. A clipboard or sturdy notebook helps too—nobody likes chasing runaway paper in the wind.
Easy things to doodle while you tan:
- The palm trees swaying above you 🌴
- That one dramatic cloud that looks like a dragon 🐉
- Beach umbrellas, chairs, or your own flip-flops
- Random people reading, swimming, or eating way too many nachos
- Or just…squiggles. Squiggles count.
The beauty of sketching outside is you don’t have to overthink it. Beginners can stick to simple outlines, while seasoned artists can flex with landscapes or portraits. And the sunlight? Perfect for practicing shading (though yes, it will move and mess with your vibe—just roll with it).
Pro tips:
- Keep your stuff safe—waterproof cases are lifesavers if you’re poolside.
- Bring a little towel to keep your hands dry (sweaty palms + pencils = smudgy disaster).
- If you’re fancy, a digital tablet works too, but beware of glare.
Honestly, sketching while tanning feels like a memory in the making. Instead of just getting a tan, you walk away with doodles, drawings, or even a new hobby.
And hey, even if your art looks like stick figures on vacation, it’ll still remind you of a chill day in the sun.
7) Planning Your Week While You Tan
Who says tanning has to be only about getting bronzed? It’s also the perfect time to get your life together (or at least pretend you are).
Stuff you can plan while you’re soaking up rays:
- Set some goals (big or small—“drink more water” counts)
- Map out meals so you’re not staring at your fridge like it’s a stranger
- Schedule appointments, hangouts, or that dentist visit you’ve been dodging
- Jot down random to-dos before they escape your brain forever
Basically, it’s like multitasking: you’re tanning and becoming the organized version of yourself you swore you’d be every New Year’s Eve.
What to write about if you’re stuck:
- Your daily schedule (or at least a loose plan so mornings aren’t chaos)
- Fun weekend ideas (beach again? yes please)
- Work or project thoughts (aka your “I’ll get to it later” list)
- Random reflections, because sometimes the sun makes you deep 🧘♀️
Pen + paper feels more personal, but your phone works too if you’re more of a digital list-maker.
The only rule? Keep it chill. This isn’t corporate Monday morning—it’s sunny, breezy planning time.
Pro tips so you don’t melt while writing:
- Toss your notebook in a waterproof bag (splashes happen)
- Use a clipboard so you’re not wrestling with floppy pages
- Keep pens out of direct sun unless you want them to explode (yes, it happens)
- If you’re writing for a while, grab a shady spot so you don’t roast like a marshmallow
At the end of the day, planning in the sun just hits different. You walk away with a tan and a game plan. Future you is already impressed.
8) Playing Card or Board Games
Tanning is nice and all, but sometimes you need a little something extra to keep it fun. Enter: card and board games. They’re the perfect way to pass the time, laugh with friends, and make tanning feel less like “just lying there” and more like a mini hangout.
Card games are the MVPs outdoors. Uno, Go Fish, Crazy Eights, Phase 10—easy to play, easy to pack, and way less likely to blow into the ocean. Bonus: waterproof cards exist, so no panic if someone cannonballs too close to your towel.
Travel-size games = genius. Think magnetic chess, travel Scrabble, or dice games like Yahtzee and Farkle. They’re compact, quick, and won’t send you crawling around in the sand searching for missing pieces.
Games that don’t work tanning-side: anything with a million tiny parts, paper boards, or complicated setups. Sand + wind + water = instant chaos.
Pro tips for gaming in the sun:
- Keep it short and sweet—quick rounds are best since you’ll wanna flip, reapply sunscreen, or grab a drink.
- Toss your games in a beach bag when not in use so they don’t warp in the heat.
- Waterproof cards are a lifesaver if you’re poolside or beachside.
Playing games while tanning turns downtime into memory-making time. You’ll laugh, compete, maybe get a little too into Uno (we’ve all been there), and still walk away with a golden glow.
Sun, cards, and good company—what more do you need?
9) Chatting & People Watching
Sometimes tanning is about more than just catching rays—it’s about soaking up the vibes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a light chat or just silently observing the chaos around you, tanning time is perfect for both.
If you’re feeling social:
Poolside and beach spots are basically built for casual conversations. Nothing too deep—just fun little exchanges about summer plans, favorite spots to eat, or “yo, what sunscreen are you using because you’re glowing.” Keep it light, keep it breezy.
If you’re more in “quiet observer” mode:
People watching is free entertainment.
Families building sandcastles, kids doing cannonballs, couples strolling by, or that one guy who’s clearly training for the Olympics with his intense laps—it’s like your own live reality show. Sunglasses = your VIP pass to watch without looking creepy.
Easy convo starters if you’re stuck:
- “Water’s warm today or am I just imagining it?”
- “Any good food spots around here?”
- “What’s your go-to beach activity?”
- “That sunscreen smells amazing—what brand is it?”
Sometimes you’ll strike up a fun connection, other times you’ll just swap a smile and go back to chilling.
Both are wins.
And hey, if you’re not in the mood to talk, no pressure.
Just kick back, sip your drink, and enjoy the people-watching. It’s surprisingly relaxing and oddly entertaining.
Golden rule: read the room (or, well, the beach). Some folks are down to chat, others just want to nap in peace. Respect the vibe, and you can’t go wrong.
10) Glow Up While You Tan
Why just tan when you can multitask your way to main character energy? Tanning time is the perfect excuse to throw on a hair mask or face mask and let the sun do double duty. Warmth = spa vibes + better absorption. Win-win.
For your hair:
Coconut oil is the GOAT. A light layer before you head out not only makes your hair smell like vacation, but it also protects against UV rays, salt water, and sand. Plus, when you rinse it out later, you get that shiny, silky “just left the salon” look—without the salon price tag.
For your face:
Stick to masks when you’re poolside, in the backyard, or somewhere chill. Clay masks for a deep clean, hydrating masks for that dewy glow. Just maybe skip the beach—wind + sand + face mask = instant regret.
Best mask moves while tanning:
- Coconut oil → hair protection + shine
- Clay mask → clears out pores
- Hydrating mask → quenches thirsty skin
- Leave-in treatments → low-effort, big payoff
Pro tips so you don’t overdo it:
- Apply hair masks before you hit the sun
- Keep face masks for low-wind, low-sand zones
- Go for lightweight, non-greasy formulas (nobody wants a slip-n-slide face)
- Set a timer so you don’t forget and end up looking like a glazed donut
The heat from the sun helps everything sink in deeper, so honestly? Doing your mask outside is like leveling up your self-care routine. You’ll walk away bronzed and glowing. Double flex.
11) Taking a Catnap
Let’s be honest—the sun has magical nap powers. You’re stretched out, warm, relaxed, and suddenly… boom. You’re out like a light. A little catnap while tanning can be one of the most underrated joys of summer.
Why tanning naps hit different:
- Instant stress relief
- You wake up in a way better mood
- Time flies (seriously, you blink and an hour feels like 5 minutes)
- Nothing beats that cozy, sun-soaked drowsiness
BUT—and this is a big but—falling asleep in the sun can also mean waking up looking like a lobster. Not cute.
Stay-safe nap hacks:
- Set an alarm (20–30 minutes max is the sweet spot)
- Use a higher SPF if you know you’ll probably doze off
- Nap in partial shade so you’re not roasting on high heat
- Sunglasses = eye protection even when your eyes are closed
Pro tip: get comfy. A soft towel, beach mat, or even a cushy pool chair makes all the difference. And always, always drink water before and after—you don’t want a dehydration headache ruining your post-nap glow.
If you’re in a tanning bed, swap the nap for “rest mode.” Calming music or an audiobook can help you drift into that half-asleep, half-daydream state without totally knocking out.
Bottom line? A quick sun nap is pure bliss—just be smart about it. Tan, nap, wake up refreshed, and still look (and feel) golden.
12) Check Email
Okay, hear me out—tanning time is secretly the perfect time to tackle that scary inbox monster. You know, the one with 4,327 unread emails just quietly haunting you. Out in the sun, it feels way less painful—like, “yeah I’m working, but also I’m literally tanning.”
Why emails + sun actually works:
- No office distractions, just you and your SPF
- Deleting spam feels oddly satisfying (goodbye, “limited time offer” from 2016)
- It’s the perfect mindless scroll task while you soak up rays
Easy wins while you tan:
- Delete spam + junk → instant inbox glow-up
- Unsubscribe from those random lists you swear you never signed up for
- Sort important stuff into folders so Future You doesn’t cry
- Fire off a few replies if you’re feeling extra productive
Pro tips for sunny inbox slayers:
- Use your phone’s delete button like it’s a video game (tap-tap-tap = points)
- Set a timer so you don’t nap into a sunburn
- Keep water nearby—you’re multitasking, not self-destructing
- Reward yourself with a snack when you hit inbox zero (because you deserve it)
Honestly, knocking out emails while tanning is peak multitasking. You get bronzed and feel like you’ve got your life together. Inbox cleared, skin glowing—it’s a vibe. 😎✨