3 Tips for Staying Productive Over the Summer (While Still Making Time for Fun!)

Summer is in full swing, and the sunshine is calling. Now, I don’t know about you, but maintaining productivity with all of the temptations to relax and enjoy some fun in the sun can be a challenge!

But here’s the good news: you can both enjoy your summer and stay productive with the right approach.?

Here are three tips to help you flow between work and play (because I’m not sure that balance actually exists!) and yes, it may require you to get your brave on!

1. Set Clear Boundaries:?

Establishing clear boundaries between work time and leisure time is essential, especially during these summer months when distractions are high! Decide on specific work hours and do your best to stick to them. This will help you remain focused during work hours and fully relax during your downtime. Take the time to communicate these boundaries with your team and others in your life, to ensure everyone is on the same page.

One way to reinforce these boundaries is by creating a designated workspace if you're working from home. This physical separation can help signal to your brain when it’s time to work and when it’s time to relax. Additionally, setting clear expectations with colleagues and using your calendar to block certain times will help you better manage your time and avoid overcommitting!

2. Schedule Important Tasks:?

To maximize your productivity, consider grouping your most important tasks and meetings on specific days. Keeping, say, a Monday or a Friday (or both!) more open allows you some flexibility. This will allow you to tackle important work efficiently while still leaving room for summer activities. You can also try batching similar tasks together to further enhance productivity. For example, maybe Tuesday and Wednesday are your designated meeting days, and other days/times are for deep work.

Prioritizing your workload is also key. At the start of each week, identify your top three priorities and schedule them during the times you are likely to be most productive. This ensures you're focusing on high-impact activities when you're at your most energetic. And don't forget to include buffer times in your schedule (something I am working on!) for unexpected interruptions.

3. Redefine Productivity:?

Shift your perspective on what it actually means to be productive. Productivity isn't just about ticking off items on your to-do list; it's also doing things that fill you up, bring you joy, and contribute to your overall well-being. Is there a sport or activity you’ve been wanting to learn, like stand-up paddleboarding or dragon boating? Actually signing up for something new can be very productive, as it’s pushing you out of your comfort zone and helping you grow. Or perhaps that could look like camping with your friends or family… when was the last time you pitched a tent?

Embrace the idea that rest and relaxation are integral parts of productivity. When you allow yourself time to recharge, you come back to work with renewed energy and creativity. And even when you’re not taking full days or weeks off, you can still find a few moments daily to be more mindful. That could be meditation, journaling, or moving your body. These activities can help you stay grounded and focused, which in turn makes your working time more effective.

So, both work and fun are totally possible this summer! It may simply require a little bit of intentional planning and a shift in mindset.

Here’s how you can put these tips into action:

• Set Clear Boundaries: Designate specific work hours, create a dedicated workspace, and communicate your desires and availability to those you interact with regularly.
• Schedule Important Tasks: Prioritize your high-impact activities, batch similar tasks, and allow for buffer times in your schedule.
• Redefine Productivity: Shift the way you look at what it means to be productive, and consider trying new activities to allow for your own growth and development.

And just because, here are some additional tips for a more productive and enjoyable summer:

• Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating meditation or even simple breathing exercises into your daily routine can reduce stress and increase focus.
• Stay Active: Physical activity boosts endorphins and improves mental clarity. Whether it’s a morning walk, yoga, or trying a new sport, staying active is so important! (Wanna work out with me? I’m teaching a ‘move & sweat’ class in Toronto at SAOR Studio every Sunday at 7 am… and you’ll definitely be moving and sweating!)
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper nutrition and hydration play a very important role in maintaining energy levels and overall well-being.
• Unplug Regularly: Take breaks from your work and your screens to give your eyes and mind a rest. Get outdoors to enjoy nature whenever you can!
• Reflect and Plan: Use the slower summer months to reflect on where you are, where you want to go from here, and what you can do to help get you there.

As brave leaders, finding moments for fun and relaxation throughout the summer is as important as completing those crucial work projects. In fact, you’ll be boosting not only your own well-being when you do, but your overall effectiveness, too. Embrace this season as an opportunity to reset, rejuvenate, and redefine what it means to be productive.

So, how will you make sure you make time for both productivity and fun this summer?

I hope you put some of these ideas into practice… and feel free to share your own tips and progress below!