It’s August and before you know it, you’ll be returning to the typical work grind and business as usual come September. Attempting to balance work productivity and leisure during the final stretch of the summer can be challenging, especially as there’s a race to squeeze the most out of the warm weather before the colder months set in.
Instead of just winging it, you should establish a game plan for yourself. Decide what you want your next few weeks to look like before it’s too late. Consider setting clear, achievable goals for both your workday and getting in some much-needed vacation time without pushing yourself too much.
Keeping A Balance Of Work And Play
Start your day off early, and eat the frog first. This means completing the most tedious, annoying tasks first so you can remove them off your plate without having to be anxious and stressing over these projects throughout the day.
Since most of your colleagues and clients are on vacation or using up their paid time off, the hurried usual pace slows down considerably. This gives you the freedom to take regular breaks.
Treat yourself in the afternoon for a quick dip in the pool. Take a nap on the porch. Go to the gym for a workout. Play pickleball, ride your bike or go on a hike. The balance between work and play will help you recharge and prevent burnout.
Set A Plan In Place
You need to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. You will want to ensure that the workload from your out-of-office colleagues don’t all fall on your desk. If that happens, the rest of the summer will fly by and you will not have enjoyed it. What’s worse is that you will feel taken advantage of, and physically rundown when the September drudgery kicks into gear.
Try using a planner to prioritize tasks and setting specific time limits for activities. Project management software and tools can also help you organize tasks and deadlines, reducing feelings of overwhelm.
Scheduling personal activities and hobbies into your calendar can ensure you allocate time for self-care and relaxation. This not only helps maintain your mental health but also boosts your motivation and creativity when you return to work.
By intentionally managing your time and energy, you can achieve a fulfilling balance that allows you to be productive while still enjoying personal tim.
Avoid Trying To Fool Your Boss
Some workers take advantage of the summertime. As the workload and office stress levels slow down, it’s easy for employees to engage in the newest trend of pretending to work—quiet vacationing.
In a recent survey by Harris Poll, nearly 40% of Millennial workers said they take time off without formally communicating it to their manager.
The respondents admitted to partaking in office workarounds, such as periodically moving their computer mouse to appear active, as well as scheduling messages to be sent outside of normal business hours to maintain the impression that they are going above and beyond for their employer by working overtime.
Instead of being sneaky, be honest. Have a talk with your manager. Let them know that you’re taking some time off. Be upfront and inquire if it’s okay to squeeze in a couple extra days off.
Position the request as a benefit to you and the company. With the additional time off, you have more time to decompress and spend with your family and friends. Ensure your supervisor that you will come back relaxed, re-energized and motivated to hit the ground running.
Source: Forbes
