Most people come alive when summer arrives. Extra winter weight is shed and the sluggish feeling that cold weather brings disappears when the weather warms. You may have anticipated summer for several months and may be very excited when it finally arrives.
Unfortunately, many fulltime employees are so consumed with work projects that summer passes them by in a flash. If you’re tired of summer disappearing before you can get outside, here are five ways to still enjoy the warm weather even while working a full schedule.
Wake Early
Sleeping until the last possible second before work will start your day off in a rushed manner and will cause you to miss the best part of summer days. Rather than hitting the snooze button five times as you may do in winter, set your alarm for an early hour and wake to it. Then, enjoy breakfast on the patio in the morning’s calm weather or go for a walk while enjoying the crisp air and summer scenery.
Avoid Overtime
Be more than willing to work long hours in winter but draw the line at working overtime in summer. Arriving extra early to work or staying extra late will only create resentment at being stuck at work while others are enjoying the pleasant weather. While at work, focus your energy on completing your assigned work projects to avoid overtime.
Maximize your Weekends
While you may be tired after long workweeks, summer weekends aren’t occasions to stay on the couch. Instead, get the family up and moving outdoors. Whether biking, hiking or enjoying outdoor picnics, outdoor adventures are the best opportunities to enjoy summer when you aren’t at work.
Save your PTO
The best time to take a vacation is in summer. Even if you just take a few days off to spruce up the lawn or camp at a local lake, you’ll feel as if you’re truly making the most of the warm weather. Unfortunately, by the time summer arrives, many employees have used the bulk of their PTO for doctor appointments, illnesses and other winter events.
Save as much PTO as possible before the warm weather arrives. Whether going into work while feeling under the weather or sacrificing a winter three-day weekend, you’ll appreciate the additional time off in summer more than you would have enjoyed the freedom during colder months.
Restructure your Lunch Hours
You needn’t be outside for long to make more of the warm weather. If you’re known to sit around the break room watching the clock until your lunch hour is over, change up your routine. Eat lunch on the workplace patio or go for a walk at a local park. This added time outdoors will recharge your energy for the afternoon work hours and can offset any possible resentment at having to work when the weather is so pleasant.
Working through summer isn’t ideal but it’s a reality the majority of workers face. By getting outside as often as possible and by planning a summer vacation, you can enjoy a little more of the nice weather before it’s gone.
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