For most people, Memorial Day weekend symbolizes the unofficial start of summer. It rings in the season of lazy days, BBQs, and more. When the weather gets nice it’s not uncommon to stare longingly out your window, wondering when the weekend will come so you can lay out by a pool. Summer is a hard season at work. Between people taking vacations, kids being out of school, and the tempting warm temperatures, it can be extremely difficult to stay motivated at your desk. Here are some tips on how to enjoy the summer months while still staying on track at work!
1. Take Short Outdoor Breaks
Numerous studies show that getting outside during the day is good for your physical and emotional health. Take small breaks throughout the day to recharge outside. Go for a short walk or sit in the sun for a few minutes as you order lunch from a food truck. Sitting for eight hours a day under fluorescent lights is draining. See if you can convince team members to hold a meeting outside or take a business call while walking around the block. Your body will thank you!
2. Switch Up Your Work Schedule
If your boss is flexible, try to come up with a different schedule for the summer. Come in earlier to leave before rush hour or see if some remote work days are possible. Or, purpose a “summer Friday” rule where everyone can head out a bit early between Memorial and Labor Day. Companies tend to be more flexible in the summer, so take advantage of this season to switch up your schedule. You’ll be surprised that such a small shift can make a huge difference in how you feel about your work week.
3. Weekly Indulgence
It’s easier to get through the week if you have something fun on your schedule. Whether it’s a free outdoor concert or happy hour with friends, having a set plan creates an end goal for the work week or day. Having a weekly “treat yourself” event on your calendar can help you focus on work and structure your day knowing that there will be a reward at the end.
4. Make the Most of Slower Times
Summer is a historically slower time for many professions. A decline in workload can actually make it harder to get through the day. Instead of wasting time away on Buzzfeed or Facebook, embrace the lighter workload as an opportunity to refresh and learn something new. Start with refreshing your work life. Rearrange your office, clean your desk, and set goals and priorities for your job. Summer is a great time to re-examine your relationship with work and how you see yourself in the job moving forward.
The slower season is also a good time to tackle something you wouldn’t normally be able to squeeze into your day. Learn a new computer program with Skillshare or tackle an in-house project that you’ve been putting off, like redecorating or purging old files. Taking action now will help you feel more relaxed once work picks up again.
It can be hard to stay motivated at work during summer, but with these tips, you’ll be able to stay on track and enjoy the season! Be sure to have a workspace that allows you to stay flexible and take advantage of the warmer weather. At AdvantEdge Workspaces, our locations feature amenities like rooftop spaces and are in neighborhoods where it’s easy to get out and soak up some sun during the day. Our office space is customizable and we are here to help you with whatever summer projects or plans you may have! Working in summer can be more difficult, but at AdvantEdge Workspaces our clients know how to make the most of our reception services, unique spaces, and central locations in order to enjoy their summer. Click here to learn more about our spaces and services!
