Ah, Summer! Warm weather, long days, and cookouts have finally arrived. Growing up in the Tampa, Florida area, I feel a lot like Olaf in Frozen, who says, “I just love summer, and sun, and all things hot.” Note: Memorizing Disney movies is required as mom of a three year old. But when the sun is shining outside, inviting all to come out and enjoy, cranking away inside an office can be a bit difficult. In one study of over 600 workers, researchers found that productivity dropped 20% during the summer months

Whether you catch yourself daydreaming about the beach, planning a 4th of July barbecue, or become distracted when you’re a week away from vacation, here are a few tips to keep your mind in focus during those summer work days. 

Keep up with those ZZZs. The days are longer so getting to bed at a decent time can be more difficult. Yet, the truth remains: sufficient sleep can do wonders for your focus throughout an entire day. 

Eat a good breakfast. Those Wheaties do more than just jump start your metabolism. Studies show that eating breakfast can improve attention and concentration as well. 

Focus on smaller tasks. Split up large projects into smaller tasks and make a list to follow them. You’ll be able to knock out those less time consuming items for quick wins, encouraging you to complete the end goal in good time. 

Clean up! The summer is a great time to clean up your work space. Chances are, there will be days where the boss is on vacation or projects have slowed down. Take the opportunity to organize and get rid of things you don’t need. Not only will you be glad to have it done, decluttering always helps you focus! 

Take a break. Make sure you get up from your desk or walk away from your work whenever possible; 10 or 15 minutes away from your work can reenergize you for the rest of the day. If you have vacation time available, work with your supervisor and try to take a few days off to spend with family and friends. Staycations can provide just as much relaxation as going away, so even if it’s just sleeping in at home, and taking your kids to the pool time away from work can help get over a summer work slump. 

As children, summer break was always an exciting time, and that sense of fun that comes with summer doesn’t necessarily leave us as adults. Use some of these tips to keep up the good work this summer! And if you have a day that’s not your most productive, get outside after and try again the next day!

For more career tips from MAU, click here!

Just graduated and looking for an exciting opportunity this summer? Visit our job board. We are adding new openings all the time!  

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