If your New Year’s resolutions didn’t work out, never fear: You’re getting a second chance. This is the official introduction of summer resolutions, an opportunity to live your best possible life during the best months of the year. Check out the suggestions below, come up with your own, and take some time this summer to focus on your personal and professional well-being. Use these tips to stay energized, motivated and focused at work and at home.
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Take Advantage of Daylight Savings Time
A longer evening means more time to pursue your interests outside of work. Whether it’s a sport, a hobby, or simply a walk, utilizing the warmer weather and longer daylight to stay active can have significant benefits. For most people, working in an office means extended periods of sitting, and adding some exercise to your daily routine can improve cognitive function and increase energy levels.
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Use Your Vacation Days
Study after study suggests that taking regular vacation time actually boosts productivity, in addition to lowering stress levels and improving mental health. Though many people are uncomfortable taking extended personal time, it has the potential to make one a more effective employee, and, just as importantly, a happier and healthier person.
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Start a New Project
Summer can tend to be a slower season work-wise, with colleagues out of the office and the heat making people sluggish. This is the perfect opportunity to start on something that you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t found the time for. If you’ve been meaning to revamp a website or spruce up the break room, take advantage of the summer to get started.
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Get Together With Your Coworkers
Barbecue, cornhole or tubing — all of these are summer activities that can easily be turned into team bonding. Even something simpler like a happy hour can be a great opportunity to get to know one’s coworkers better and build rapport that isn’t based around work. If you’re in a managerial role, scheduling an after-work get-together is a no-brainer.
The start of summer is a great chance to take stock of your situation and decide if there’s anything you’d like to change. Whether you’re looking to take on something new at work or simply take better care of yourself, making a summer resolution or two can set you on the path to continued success!
To really kickstart your summer success, register for 2019’s NextGen Summit!
I was talking to someone last night about this. Summer seems to be a great time for a midyear reflection and transformation, and the outdoors can anchor that.
Recommend this album on that subject for any southern hip hop fans- https://soundcloud.com/translee/freedom-summer-1
Great post, Spencer! I love tip #4 – spending some time with your colleagues out of the office is a great chance to strengthen your relationships and let off any mid-year steam, together. I’m hoping to see lots of folks at NextGen getting out of the office and reflecting on the reasons why they’re in public service.
I love summers – No more wearing heavy coats on the way to the office 🙂
and working out with kids is the ULTIMATE quality time to spend together.