Around 36% of U.S. workers say they are less productive during the summer, and 34% say they slack off when their boss goes on summer vacation. With Google searches for ‘productivity tips’ soaring by +214%, this advice piece walks you through how to boost your productivity during the season’s slow grind.
Avery Morgan, productivity expert and Chief Communications Officer at an all-in-one website for students’ needs, EduBirdie, shares her essential tips to survive summertime slump:
1. Create a summer-friendly routine
If the sun is sapping your productivity, adapt your schedule to give yourself more time to tackle tasks in the morning or later in the evening when the sun gives it a rest. You can then reward yourself with a dip in the pool, a refreshing siesta, or a spot of lunch with loved ones in the afternoon—making the most of summer, even with a full to-do list!
2. Fight FOMO
The summer sun is draining, so you’ll need time to recharge, but don’t let the fear of missing out sabotage your productivity. A few hours in front of the TV is perfectly fine if that’s how you like to unwind, but you don’t need to accept every BBQ or beach party invite. Summer is about balance and sometimes you need to put your work first.
3. Plan a workation
With a laptop and a reliable mobile connection, you no longer have to choose between work and play. Set up your office on the beachfront, email from the top of a mountain, and use your lunch break to explore the sights. A workcation can spark creativity, improve your efficiency, and stop the workday from feeling so mundane.
4. Spend time outdoors
You don’t have to fly off to a far-flung destination for a change of scenery. Take your workspace outside, settle down under a shady tree, or enjoy lunch on a terrace with a view. And don’t spend your weekends cramped up inside. Escape the city, pursue hobbies, and enjoy nature while the sun’s shining.
5. Stay hydrated and snack smart
Fill a water bottle and add a dash of lemon or mint to make it more refreshing, so you’re more likely to drink it. Dehydration has all sorts of ill effects, including fatigue, so H20 is your best friend during the hotter months if you intend to keep busy. For lunch? Healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts, and yogurt are packed full of electrolytes and have a natural cooling effect on your body.