‘Summer lethargy’ is a real thing. There’s a reason why schools close for their longest break during the hot summer months. We only wish we could say the same for those working. Staying focused and productive must be challenging especially when the heat is bearing down on you.
You may not want to admit it, but you are probably daydreaming about taking a dip in the pool instead of working! Well, the good news is that, at VOIZ; you can apply for jobs during cooler hours of the day while you can lounge, go for a swim, or just laze around during the other hours of the day! But even during those hours of working, how do you find your summer source of productivity with the constant formation of rivulets of sweat?
Everyone from our project managers to our professionals who are starting out has agreed that something they all have in common is the difficulty in staying focused on one’s project the moment the temperatures start to rise. The bottom line is that without motivation, you cannot be productive. Therefore, we have compiled a list of tips for you to free yourself from the shackles of summer and keep yourself inspired and productive during the dog days of summer.
Tip #1 Change up your schedule
AKA, switch up your standard routine. If you are used to working during the day but find it hard to continue doing so due to the heat, then try finding projects that are for time slots during the latter half of the day. It is proven that by switching up your routine, you feel more refreshed which further leads to an added boost in your levels of motivation and productivity. With VOIZ, you have the benefit of choosing the job type, workdays and work hours! So use that to your advantage and find fresh ways to enjoy what you are doing!
Tip #2 Introduce the 15-minute rule
Okay, this one is for those days when you hit that mid-work slump. If you are feeling a lack of motivation even after a little break then set a fifteen-minute timer and focus on finishing a priority task in that time or at least half of it. Continue doing this and you will see progress. Especially if you have a task hanging over your head, resolve to work on this task for just 15 minutes as it is known that you get a lot of work accomplished in 15-minute slots, bit by bit.
Tip #3 Learn a new skill
Expanding your knowledge is a great way to break the monotony of your work schedule. Use the summer to learn more about how you can improve your skillset and get better at what you are doing. Take complete advantage of the training courses and assessments available to you on VOIZ’s learning management platform. One way to stay motivated is to learn something new so what better way to do just that than by enrolling in our learning portal.
Tip #4 Stay away from “work overload” and/or “multi-tasking”
Take it from us, overworking and multi-tasking are massive demotivators. You will be more focused if you are not overloaded with work and multitasking. Even if you are a self-proclaimed master of the two, you could be setting yourself up for failure by continuing to do so. You may also risk work quality and productivity while shifting between tasks and speedy work. Instead of this, try and focus on individual tasks and close those thousand tabs that are currently open. Concentrating on singular tasks can help boost your productivity while also helping you do your job in a quality fashion.
Tip #5 Set up your “Summer desk”
One of our agents shared her secret to a boost in summer productivity by stating that shifting closer to her window, moving away from the balcony which was her previous workspace and somewhere that was cooler made all the difference! This way she enjoys the summer colours from her window while also not getting baked under the sun while also having her air conditioner on. This makes her happy and makes her work better during the summer! Find what work setup suits your best and you will see a huge difference in your work slump.
Tip #6 Power through it! (You can do this!)
While it is tempting to push things for later or to take things slow, know that it will all add up to another day for you to do becoming twice the workload. Stay motivated by reminding yourself why you do the work you do! As a freelancer, you have the benefits that most full-time employees don’t. Acknowledge your advantages, write down your goals and map out the steps to get there. It can be as simple as completing your work for the day. Constantly remind yourself that you are working towards a larger vision!
Bonus Tip #1 Never underestimate the power of Ice Cream
Ice cream is always the right answer! Get outside for your dose of Vitamin D while also grabbing one or have it delivered home! Regardless, nothing beats eating an ice cream cone while working or after. The sugar rush will keep you going for the rest of the day!
Bonus Tip #3 Give yourself some sun and lots of credit!
If you are not feeling the most productive, realise that you are not the only one! With the temperatures rising, everyone is faced with the challenge of doing their best work. So don’t worry and don’t beat yourself over it! Treat yourself every now by taking a walk or catching up with a friend for lemonade after a few hours of work that can help you stay motivated and energized! Sign up with VOIZ if you haven’t already to find the solution to all your summer work problems!