How to switch off for the summer

We all like to make the most of the warm weather but it can be challenging when you have a stack of work that just keeps piling up. We can be guilty of thinking that the more hours we do the more productive we are. Quite often taking a break with during the day or some time out from work increases productivity but it can be simpler said than done, so let’s look at some strategies for switching off this summer.

Manage your tech time

How we manage our technology is something we all need to practice not just in summer. If you are going on holiday the only way to really switch off is to remove work emails on our mobiles so that they are not flashing up on the phone screen every day. If you have decided you are still working but want to increase some time outdoors or at the gym, why not put your phone into flight mode or switch it off completely so that you are not disturbed by notifications? Instead of having your phone next to your bed, get an alarm clock, something that plays calming music when you wake rather than a shrill sound. It means you can leave your phone outside of your bedroom and you don’t catch sight of any critical work just before you’re trying to sleep and recharge.

Accept it’s not term time

If you’re a working parent, your school-aged children will need attention and interaction. There is no point fighting against the fact that you live with other humans that demand time. If you work for yourself, can you plan your day effectively so that you work when your children are resting or watch a film that can be present and engaged when you know they will require attention? If you work for a company most people have children as well and will be in a similar situation. You can support other colleagues by shouldering some of their responsibilities during the summer holidays and have them return the favour. Negotiate your working hours with your boss, most businesses have policies that are flexible working now and will accommodate where possible.

Get some time outdoors

We all know through Covid that we had to change the way we worked and the importance of getting out for a walk and having some fresh air when working from home became critical. The same goes for the summer holidays. The summer weather can be wonderful and even 30 minutes in your garden reading a book makes you feel like you are refreshed and ready to return to work. Take some time off and visit the country at the seaside and connect with nature to recharge your batteries.

Work on your self-confidence

There is this belief that the world or at least a world of work will cave in without you being on call 24/7. And if we’re honest there are many of us who instead of listening to what our body is saying, believe that everybody must be answering calls and emails at the airport to be seen as efficient and effective. This can stem from insecurity and often it’s about doing taking steps to increase your confidence so that you feel able to step away from your work.

Set some boundaries, adapt and be flexible but most of all try to enjoy the summer!