Summer break shouldn’t just be for kids. Even though you may be a working adult, that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up all year round, especially when there is so much to do in the summer! The weather is warmer, the days are longer, and you deserve to get a chance to rest and rejuvenate. Maybe it’ll have a few less water balloon fights than when you were a kid, or maybe it will have even more! In this blog, we’re going to talk about how you can adjust your work-life balance so you can have more time and energy outside of work and take back your summer break.

Assessing Your Current Work-Life Balance

Before you can start changing your work-life balance, you have to start with what your work-life balance currently is. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What truly matters to you in life? 
• Is your current work-life routine aligned with those values?
• Are you feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin? 
• Are there aspects of your work or personal life that are causing excessive stress or taking up too much time?

Don’t just skim these and move on. Take the time to really think about it. Journal about it, even! By getting to the crux of your current situation, you can create the path to get you where you want to be. Then, sit down and make a list of 3-5 goals for yourself that you want to complete this summer. They can be simple, but they should focus on taking your life back and enjoying the time you have outside of work.

Speaking of goals, we’re talking about realistic goals. A great goal would be “spend the entire summer sailing around the Amalfi Coast on a chartered yacht,” but a realistic goal would be “go out to dinner with friends during the week twice a month.”  It’s crucial to be honest with yourself about what you can realistically achieve. Break down your goals into manageable steps, ensuring they are attainable and aligned with your overall vision for a balanced work-life harmony. Remember, this process is about finding what works best for you and creating a sustainable balance that supports your well-being.

Strategies to Equalize Your Work-Life Balance

Ok, now that you’ve taken a good hard look at your work-life balance and written some summer bucket list goals, it’s time to get your work-life balance in order. Often, the reason that we don’t feel like we have a life outside of work is because, well, we don’t. We work ourselves crazy and spend our free time simply recovering from the stress so that we can do it all again. That’s no way to live! Here are some strategies to get your work-life balance aligned with your new summer goals:

• Prioritize and set boundaries: Identify the tasks and activities that truly matter to you, and learn to say no to nonessential commitments that may encroach upon your precious free time.
• Use effective time management techniques: Finding a system that helps you stay organized and focused can greatly enhance your productivity while leaving room for relaxation and enjoyment. You can try creating to-do lists, using productivity apps, or utilizing time-blocking techniques. 
• Delegate and seek support: Sharing responsibilities can alleviate your workload and create opportunities for others to grow. Additionally, reach out to friends, family, or even professionals to lend a helping hand in personal matters, allowing you to free up time for yourself.
• Communicate with your employer or team: Discuss potential adjustments to your schedule or workload that would allow you to have more time and energy for your personal life. Building a supportive and understanding work environment can make a significant difference. If they are not willing to help you have more time for yourself, it may be time to look for a new job.
• Set digital limits: Set limits on checking work emails or messages outside of designated work hours. Disconnect from digital devices during your personal time to fully engage in activities that rejuvenate you.

Finding a work-life balance is an ongoing process. Be patient with yourself, make adjustments as needed, and regularly reassess your priorities to ensure you’re dedicating time and energy to what truly matters to you outside of work.

Incorporating Summer Fun Into Your Routine

Alright! You have your boundaries in place, you have the support that you need, and now it’s time to have some summer fun. Here is how you can make the most of the season:

• Plan and schedule activities: Try organizing a picnic in the park, going on a hiking trip, or attending local events. Having a plan will ensure that you prioritize and make time for these activities.
• Take advantage of vacation time: Plan a longer getaway or a series of shorter trips to relax, explore new places, or visit family and friends. Unplugging from work and immersing yourself in vacation mode will rejuvenate your mind and body.
• Explore local outdoor recreational activities: Make the most of the warmer weather by exploring outdoor activities and recreational opportunities. Go for a swim at the beach or a nearby pool, have a BBQ or picnic with friends and family, or try out a new water sport or outdoor game. Embrace the beauty of nature by going on hikes, camping trips, or taking scenic walks in your area.
• Get back into personal hobbies and interests: Whether it’s gardening, photography, painting, playing a musical instrument, or practicing yoga, allocate dedicated time to engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Join summer classes or workshops related to your interests to meet like-minded individuals and learn new skills. Don’t know what your interests are? Think of what you liked to do as a kid and start there. 

So what do you say; are you ready to make this summer a splash? Start with assessing your current work-life balance, employ new strategies to improve it, and start getting back to enjoying your summers. 

And, don’t forget to put on your sunscreen and a smile!