Thriving in Summer: Tips to Stay Motivated and Productive

5 min readJun 5, 2024

Sunshine, vacations, and carefree vibes — summer creates images of relaxation and unwinding. But for many of us, it can also be a time of struggling to stay motivated and productive. Between the allure of outdoor adventures and the temptation to extend that weekend feeling into the workweek, our goals can easily fall by the wayside.

So, let’s explore practical tips to stay motivated, maintain productivity, and achieve your goals, all while embracing the joys of the season.

Key Takeaways:

It’s perfectly normal to have less desire to work during these months. A great tip is to consider re-optimizing your work approach.
It is also a great idea to make your workspace summer-friendly with natural ventilation and light, less visual clutter, summer scents, and home greenery.
Conducting daily stand-ups or weekly updates in the open air can be highly beneficial.
Use the slower pace of summer to do tasks that typically get pushed aside during the busier parts of the year.
Summer heat can cause a drain on your energy and concentration, primarily due to the increased risk of dehydration and heavy food that is harder to digest.
Another great strategy is to turn summer activities into rewards for accomplishing specific tasks. Celebrate milestones, big or small.

Re-optimize Your Working Time

You should embrace summer as an opportunity to re-optimize your work schedule. The appeal of beautiful weather, extended daylight hours, and the sight of colleagues sharing their holiday experiences can significantly impact your mood and motivation. And it’s perfectly normal to feel slightly less efficient and have less desire to work during these months.

A great tip to maintain inspiration is to consider re-optimizing your work approach. For instance, try to work with intense focus for 30-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break. If you’re working from home, take advantage of the flexibility by enjoying a longer lunch break outside and then resuming work later in the evening. This way, you can enjoy the outdoors without feeling confined indoors all day.

Optimize Your Workspace

It is a great idea to make your workspace summer-friendly. Here’s how to transform your work area into a summer productivity haven:

Embrace natural ventilation: Open windows whenever possible to create natural ventilation that will keep you feeling refreshed and invigorated throughout the day.
Minimize visual clutter: A cluttered desk can be overwhelming and distracting. Tidy up your workspace, keeping only essential items readily accessible.
Harness the power of natural light: Natural light is not only beneficial for your mood and alertness, but it can also help reduce reliance on artificial lighting, keeping your workspace cooler.
Use summer scents: Certain scents can be surprisingly invigorating. Invest in a diffuser and experiment with essential oils like peppermint or citrus, known to boost alertness and improve concentration.
Bring in the greenery: Plants not only improve air quality but also reduce stress and enhance focus. Add a touch of life to your workspace with low-maintenance greenery.

Hold Meetings Outdoors and Promote Walks

Many office locations are surrounded by walkable zones, offering a perfect setting to hold meetings outside the traditional conference room. Conducting daily stand-ups or weekly updates in the open air can be highly beneficial. Moreover, a change of scenery can stimulate creativity and lead to new ideas and solutions.

Research published on PubMed Central indicates that spending time outdoors can significantly relieve stress, and improve mental and physical health.

Additionally, encourage outdoor activities for both work and leisure. A short walk in the morning sun can energize you for the day. Also, consider organizing a daily half-hour team walk in the morning or around midday, or plan a longer weekly event.

Focus on Tasks You Usually Don’t Have Time for

Use the slower pace of summer to do tasks that typically get pushed aside during the busier parts of the year. This is an ideal time to catch up on overdue projects. Feeling behind on work can be a significant demotivation, so addressing these tasks now can help maintain your motivation through the summer.

We all have a to-do list of less critical tasks that often get neglected. By taking care of these tasks now, you’ll save time and reduce stress when September comes and the office returns to full activity.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Light

The scorching summer heat can cause a drain on your energy and concentration, primarily due to the increased risk of dehydration. To be energized, you need to stay adequately hydrated and choose the right food.

Make it a habit to carry a bottle of water with you at all times. Also, you can use a hydration app or set regular reminders to track your water intake and ensure you’re drinking enough fluids.

Heavy, greasy, and processed foods can make you feel lethargic and uncomfortable, especially in the heat. They are harder to digest and can contribute to dehydration. So, focus on foods that are easy on your digestive system and provide long-lasting energy.

Turn Fun Activities into Rewards

Another great strategy is to turn summer activities into rewards for accomplishing specific tasks. Celebrate milestones, big or small. This way, you will discover newfound motivation to stay focused and on track with your goals while associating productivity with enjoyment.

You can use some of the following ideas for fun rewards:

Outdoor breaks: Whether it’s a short walk in the park, a quick game of Frisbee, or simply sitting outside to enjoy a refreshing drink, these breaks can provide a mental reset and boost your productivity when you return to work.
Weekend excursions: Whether it’s a day trip to the beach, forest, or park, a hike in the mountains, or a barbecue with friends, having something to look forward to can incentivize you to stay focused during the week.
Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt Break: Treat yourself and your team to a mid-afternoon ice cream or frozen yogurt break for completed tasks to add a touch of fun to the workday.
Movie Night Under the Stars: Set up a cozy outdoor movie night in your backyard or a local park for a relaxing evening under the stars.
Book Reading Retreat: Create a cozy reading nook in your backyard, or visit a local bookstore or library to find your next literary adventure.

Hence, thriving in summer is all about finding the right balance between work and leisure. Use these tips to maintain high levels of motivation and productivity. Embrace the season’s opportunities to refresh and rejuvenate, and make sure you stay on top of your game while enjoying the summer to its fullest.

What are your favorite strategies for staying motivated and productive during the summer? Please, share your experiences and tips in the comments!

By the way, you may be interested in our article on Saying No: The Productivity Hack You Need to Know.

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