When the weather is perfect outside, sitting behind a computer can feel like a punishment. Whether you’re working from home or heading into the office, summer has a way of making even your shortest to-do list feel impossible.
But instead of fighting the season, try working with it. Here are a few simple ways to stay motivated without missing out on everything summer has to offer!
Set Goals & Rewards
Do you remember when local pizza or ice cream shops would have reward sheets for kids who read a certain amount of books during their summer vacation? If only that extended into adulthood. The good news is, you can make your own reward system and the prizes can be whatever you like! Set short term goals throughout your days/weeks with rewards like fun outings, going to see a movie, getting ice cream, etc. You can also set goals for the whole Summer with vacations as your reward. Whatever helps you stay motivated!
Change Up Your Scenery
This is mainly for anyone who works from home and has a hard time looking out at a beautiful day from your desk. It’s probably too hot to go work outside somewhere, but you might have a better time working at a sunny cafe or co-working space.
And if it’s not too hot…embrace the Summer vibes while working! Throw on a playlist of Summer bops, crack open a cold diet coke, and do some work outside (in the shade). It might not be vacation, but it’s a break from your desk. Bonus points if you can get some work done next to a pool or other water!
If you are working from home this Summer, be sure to read our guide on WFH must-haves! Or get our roundup of essential tools, apps and products for remote work.
Prioritize Self-Care
Take time for yourself and make it a priority. Go to the gym, join a fitness class, take walks, carve out time to journal or read books, take a nap. Whatever it is that fills your cup, don’t let it slip away just because it’s Summer.
Get Ahead of the Day
Block off time during the day when you feel the most productive. For most people this is first thing in the morning before the day gets distracting. If you can lock in and check off your most important tasks first thing, you’ll set yourself up for success every day.
Get Outside!
It might seem counterintuitive, but if you’re getting distracted at your desk because you want to be outside, it’s better to give into those impulses, go enjoy the sun for 15 minutes, and the come back in to work rather than losing focus for a whole afternoon.
Your motivation may be on summer vacation, but it doesn’t have to disappear completely. Give yourself permission to enjoy the season while creating routines that help you stay productive.
And if your to-do list is still standing between you and a day at the pool, we’re always here to help.
