Self Diagnosed Summer Slump Syndrome? Here's your cure:
Kenora Dagon, Grays Peak Strategies
As the temperature gets warmer and the days get longer, it is easy to fall into a pattern of dreaming that you’re sipping a Pina Colada on a beach instead of sitting in an office. We are trained from a young age that summer is for fun and relaxation and a break from the many months of hard work. Now that we are adults we have to face the fact that this is not true anymore, well not necessarily. As a result of this pre-programming, we tend to face a decline in productivity during the warmer months causing Summer Slump Syndrome. Don’t beat yourself up, it’s something we all fall victim to. While I can’t magically transport you to Bora Bora, I can give you a few tips on how to make the day a bit more constructive. Here are some ways to overcome that slump and still be as motivated to do your work during the summer season as you are the rest of the year:
- Mentally prepare: Summer comes the same time every year, you know it’s coming, give yourself a little heads up. The more you are self-aware about the potential decline in motivation, the easier it is to combat it. Starting training yourself to do the most important tasks in the morning, right after your first few cups of coffee. This is typically when people are most inspired; the air is slightly cooler and you’re less likely to doze off.
- Organize: Your thoughts, plans, and even your office. The more organized you are the less overwhelmed you’ll feel. Making sure all of your paperwork and desk drawers are in-order will make you more confident, and ready for the day, while a cluttered schedule or work place just increases stress. This is true for any time of year but is even more crucial in the summer when you’re at your least driven. Also, setting deadlines for yourself and planning out what you want to accomplish in a day can keep you on track and focused!
- Take mini vacations during the day: Eat your lunch outside, take a walk when you can, even just working in a different area in your office can give you a boost of energy. If you’re tight with your boss (or you are the boss) see if telecommuting once a week is a possibility. A change of scenery is refreshing and a quick break from your monotonous routine could spark some creativity. It will give you that oomph you need to keep yourself going. A little change in environment can go a long way!
- Take an actual vacation: This should be the most obvious. Plan ahead to take a week or so of vacation to relax and unwind. You’ve worked hard during the year so you deserve some R&R - don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself. If you know a fun getaway is on the horizon you’ll have something to look forward to and keep you motivated.
With the kids out of school and all of your friends and family blowing up your social media feed with pictures of tropical destinations, it’s hard to stay focused on the work at hand. Hopefully these four things will help keep you enthusiastic about your job and get you through the summer months. You’re already halfway there, you can do it!
