How to Stay Productive Even If It's Summer
By Sandy Schroeder
I definitely slide sideways as the summer months roll through. Everywhere I look, someone is taking off on a great trip, or heading out for one great weekend after another. If you can relate, here are some ways to stay productive so you will be able to take some time off, too.
Try changing hours - Start earlier to allow time for some fun after work. Or see if you can come in later, making time for a special new early morning workout.
Tackle tough projects early - You may pick up speed if you deliberately knock off the toughest ones first. Use the morning for high-energy tasks such as strategic meetings or writing. Follow with medium-energy emails and phone calls, and finish the day with reading, filing or scheduling tasks.
Look for inspiration - Work may be more appealing if you build in a few new ideas during the summer, or figure out new ways to handle the regular tasks.
Add some fitness - When you do get away for a few days you will be toned and trim if you shape up now. Walk after lunch, or do early morning runs. When you are active every day your mood will be up, too.
De-clutter and transform - Reinvent your workspace as you sweep out the clutter. Create a clean area to make it more inviting and then consider using Soundrown for background relaxation. Just click the channel and stream a change of pace sound such as trickling fountains, soothing rain, ocean waves, or birds.
Stay Hydrated - Health experts tell us water actually affects brain function. The more alert you are, the easier it will be to stay productive. Keep a canister of water on your desk to make sure you get enough water. To determine how much water your body needs, divide your weight by two to get the number of ounces needed daily.
Eat for energy - Avoid doughnut runs and pizza lunches. Bring in healthy snacks like almonds, celery and hummus, or tuna salad wraps, and use morning and afternoon snacks to keep your metabolism going throughout the day.
Go to bed earlier - Make sure you get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep needed so you won’t have to rely on caffeine throughout the day just to keep going.
Take hourly breaks - Get away from your desk for a few minutes with a short walk or do a few stretching poses.
You may find some of your summer changes work so well you will hang onto them in the fall. Enjoy!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Monrovia, Calif.