Summer productivity can be a struggle. Whether you work in an office and dream of basking in the sun, work from home with kids, or are a student on summer break, if you feel like your productivity takes a hit through the summer months, you’re not alone. Staying disciplined and on track can take some work, but it’s not an impossible feat. Take a look at our tips on how to stay productive during the summer to make the most of your time!
Tips For Those In The Office
1. Change Up Your Space
If you’re feeling super unmotivated heading into the summer months, it’s time to change up your office space. There are a number of things you can do to make your workspace more inspiring and productive. The amount you can change depends on how much space you have. For instance, if you have your own office, you can switch up your layout and furniture. However, even if you only have a desk in a shared office space, you can add a plant, put up photos, and update your desk accessories to suit your style and personality.
2. Map Out Your Weeks in Advance
Take some time every Saturday or Sunday to plan out your week in advance. Map out all the things you have to do, as well as things you want to do. This will range from work projects to meetings, dinners with friends, workouts and weekends away. Don’t forget to leave some room for spontaneity too! Intentionally planning your week will show you what you have to look forward to, making time at the office a little less daunting.
3. Use an Organization System That Works for You
While technology has upgraded organization systems, some people (myself included) still prefer paper systems for organization and planner. Using a system that works best for you will help with productivity. It makes it easier to track your progress and keep you on track with your goals and deadlines when you enjoy what you use to plan.
4. Take Outdoor Breaks
Take breaks throughout the day and get outside for a walk. Getting fresh air and sunshine is so important. Outdoor walks help improve your concentration, boost your focus and make you more productive all around. Breathing in fresh air improves brain function and getting outside benefits your mood and mental health. Take your breaks outdoors and try to make them active breaks for the most benefits possible.
Tips For Parents WFH With Kids
1. Establish “Office Hours”
Try your best to set boundaries and create office hours for yourself. This may mean blocking out a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the afternoon where you ask for no interruptions. Consider hanging a whiteboard sign on your door for times when you’re on calls or need uninterrupted focus. Leave easier tasks for the rest of the day and perhaps leave your door open or work from the kitchen for a more casual workday.
2. Early Wake Up Call
Waking up before your kids get up can be super beneficial. It will allow you to get important work done without any interruptions or distractions. Then, throughout the day, you can fit in calls, emails or shorter tasks that take less energy and focus.
3. Get Top Priorities Done First
Piggybacking on the above tip, make it a point to get your top priorities done first. If you’re able to get these done before your kids wake up, great, but if not, know that things will take longer than you think, so it’s a good idea to get them started as soon as possible. Prioritize your day to ensure you get your most important tasks done.
4. Occupy Your Kids
The younger your kids are the more attention they’ll need. Younger kids will stay closer to you throughout the day and can be occupied with kids tablets loaded with educational games and entertainment. Older kids and teens will have more freedom and can entertain themselves more easily. Make sure they get outside and have them work on activities and projects that are of interest to them, whether that’s arts and crafts, trying out recipes or learning Tiktok dances.
Tips For Students on Summer Break
1. Create a Morning Routine
Without a morning routine, you may be more likely to sleep until noon or waste hours scrolling your phone. Creating a morning routine will set you up for a productive day ahead. Wake up early, journal, listen to a podcast and make yourself a healthy breakfast. Get outside for a walk or run to start your day on the right foot. The way you start your day sets the tone for the rest of your day and you don’t want your summer days to be wasted.
2. Learn a New Language
Knowing multiple languages can work to your advantage in so many ways. It’s one of the best skills to have and keeps your mind sharp. Perhaps members of your family speak a language you wish you knew or you’re going to be travelling somewhere where they speak a different language. Or maybe you’ve just always wanted to another language. Whatever the reason, learning a new language will keep you disciplined and open you up to new opportunities down the line.
3. Find a Summer Job
Whether part time or full time, a summer job will help you feel productive, and if you’re strategic in your job search, you can gain experience in a field you’re interested in. Consider hobbies and interests you have and look for jobs that relate. For example, if you love talking to people, get a job serving at a restaurant, if you love fashion, look for a job in retail. Plus, having some extra money definitely doesn’t hurt!
4. Try a New Activity or Hobby
Summer is a great time to pick up a new hobby. Whether you’re interested in baking, want to take up ceramics or would love to plant a garden in the yard, summer offers you the time to learn something new. Picking up a new hobby requires you to create a routine for yourself and be productive, and you’ll feel good knowing you made the most of your free time.
If you’re worried about summer productivity, we hope these tips help you stay on track this summer!
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