It’s Time to Invite Summer to the Office
With those first sun-kissed days, summer beckons, tempting us with endless possibilities. Is it any wonder the work-life balance begins tipping in favour of after-work hours? If you are off enjoying a sabbatical — lucky you! For the rest of us, we need to reconcile work and play. What then, if instead of pulling you away from your desk, summer-life started coming to the office? Learn how to bring the sunshine in, get outside more and start harnessing the season to enjoy your 9–5.
What do you love best about summer? Relaxing in the sunshine, exercising outdoors, the fresh produce available at your local farmers market? These activities can be translated into office-friendly versions!
Here are 10 ways you can start inviting summer to your office:
- Hop on your bike
Forget the indoor spin class this summer, and consider riding your bike to work instead. Enjoy being outside while you getting your daily exercise. Bike commuting is also a great way to reduce work-related stress. In fact, it is so effective you will be enjoying the benefits all day.
2. Farmers’ markets are not for weekends only
Farmers’ markets are becoming like mushrooms (in a good way)! More urban areas are hosting weekly markets within walking distance of offices. Visit one during lunch, and indulge in some fresh, local produce. Alternatively, bring in your favourite seasonal food to enjoy at work, and savour the flavours of summer.
3. Feel the sun on your face
Nothing feels more like summer than warm sunshine. Get a dose of vitamin D by taking your walking meetings outside, or choosing to go outdoors during your break. Not only will you enjoy your time outside, but you will be setting yourself up for success afterwards. Taking a break outdoors helps improve both focus and creativity.
4. Summer reading
Summer and reading go together like sand and water. Don’t worry if you can’t get to the beach, you can still get lost in a great read by hosting a book swap at work. Invite co-workers to bring in a favourite book to share. You can store them in a common area like the lunch room, and even provide a sign-up list.
5. Picnic
This summer commit to saying goodbye to sad-desk lunch by taking your meal outside and picnicking. Find a patch of green space and celebrate dining al fresco knowing that being in natural spaces helps reduce stress. Checkered blanket is optional! For the days mother-nature isn’t co-operating, or if you love a good gathering, you could always try tip #6.
6. BBQ
Chances are there won’t be a grill to fire up, but you can still enjoy the social atmosphere of a BBQ with an office potluck. Instead of the same brown-bag lunch there will be new foods to try, and importantly, you will be building camaraderie with your colleagues.
7. Relaxing
Summer is the perfect time to get away and rejuvenate. Even if you don’t have holiday plans you can still cultivate your own nirvana each day. Find a peaceful image on your computer/phone, bring in a plant to work, or simply move towards a window, and spend a few minutes focusing on the present moment. Consider all your senses: what sensations are you feeling around your body, what do you hear and smell?
8. Lemonade stand
We’re not suggesting you flex your entrepreneurial skills and set up shop at work, although you might get a lot of visitors to your desk! Staying hydrated helps maintain your mental and physical performance, so enjoy the tastes of summer by switching up your water every now and then with a glass of homemade lemonade.
9. Toss a frisbee
Convert after-work drinks into after-work games. If your office has a company team (baseball, soccer, etc), join the fun. You can also buddy up with the office runners and benefit from the motivation a running group offers. If nothing is in place where you work become “Team Captain” and considering organizing something. It can be as simple as a game of pick-up ultimate frisbee. Take advantage of the daylight hours and seize the opportunity to meet more people at work, and connect in new ways.
10. Summer playlist
Create a playlist with your new favourite songs, and have your own special soundtrack for the season. Enjoy it all winter long too, and relive your amazing summer memories!
Discover more great ways to feel energized at work. Visit sproutatwork.com.
