When summer begins, going to work and staying focused on your goals becomes difficult when all you want to do is sit by the pool, dream about a European vacation and dress cute.

Believe it or not, it is possible to enjoy summer to the fullest and not fall behind on your professional or personal goals. In order to have a productive summer, and still find the time to recharge, you just need to find the perfect balance.

This looks like making more time in the day to take care of yourself so that you can show up for work ready to be productive, and rush out the door as soon as your eight hours are up to still enjoy the day.

The biggest part of finding a work-life balance in summer is staying focused during your 9 to 5 so that the rest of the time is yours. Here are 10 ways to find a work-life balance in the summer and still get the most out of the season.

10 Put Yourself First

You should always put your needs first in order to have a productive day and find a work-life balance. If you don't take care of yourself first, you won't be to summon the focus and concentration necessary to get work done and be able to leave work on time.

When you take care of yourself, you are making space to be productive and find the right balance.

9 Wake Up Earlier Than Usual

This might seem counterintuitive if you think about summer as a time to relax, but in the summer there is more sunlight which means you can wake up earlier and take advantage of the day.

Sit outside and drink your coffee with a book for 20 minutes before starting your day, it will make a big difference to not rush in the morning, do something for yourself and enjoy starting the day instead of rushing into it.

8 Spend Time Outside On Breaks

If you find yourself daydreaming and staring out the window from the cubicle of your office, it is probably distracting you from getting work done. Let yourself have what you want: some time outside.

Instead of taking public transportation, walk to work to get some steps in and take your coffee and lunch break outside to speak up some vitamin C and summer vibes.

7 Stick To Working Hours

No matter what season it is, if your goal is to have a work-life balance then you need to stick to working hours, show up to work on time and leave on time, and while you are there stay focused to get your tasks done.

Find a productive rhythm that works for you and stick to it to see yourself make improvements.

Related: How To Find A Work-Life Balance

6 Get Organized To Make More Time In Each Day

A balance is about feeling like you have enough time for each area of your life, but the areas are up to you. For example, you might have a job, a passion project, be working on your fitness and then also having fun. How do you organize yourself to make time for each of those things?

The answer might not be that you get to it each day, but dedicate certain days to each area. And in summer, your priorities might change.

5 Know Your Priorities

In the summer, for many people, their priorities change. You might feel a little less motivated towards your goals, your job and keeping up with healthy habits. That lack of motivation doesn't mean you are lazy, just that you are ready for a break.

This is your sign to let rest and having fun be a priority if that is what is calling you because your happiness is more important.

Related: Build A Schedule Based On Urgency and Importance To Be Productive

4 Make Afternoon Plans

You might have to go to work every day, but you can still have fun each day. Find activities or things you like to do in the afternoon such as joining a sports team, taking a yoga class, going walking with friends or having afternoon picnics.

There are lots of ways to enjoy summer each day at the end of the workday.

3 Don't Start What You Can't Finish

If summer is a time where having fun and relaxing become more of a priority to you than professional goals, listen to your energy and don't start something that you know you won't be able to finish.

Allow yourself to have more personal time in the summer, you enjoy it and that is what balance looks like.

2 Take Weekend Getaways

While you are waiting for your big summer trip to come up, give yourself a taste of summer by taking advantage of the weekends and getting out of town. Sometimes a weekend getaway is the perfect taste of summer to switch things up from your normal surroundings.

1 Do Your Favorite Summer Activities

Each day after work you can do your favorite summer activities such as drinking cool drinks, treating yourself to ice cream, and sitting in the sun with your book. Just because you are working 9 to 5 doesn't mean you can't make time each day to feel the summer vibes.

Next: 10 Tips For Finding A Work-Life Balance

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