Tips For Keeping Up Your Productivity When Sunny Days Are On The Way

As we inch closer and closer to summer, the much-anticipated sunny, warm days are finally upon us! After months of missing the sun, we're slowly putting away our winter jackets and breaking out our denim shorts. It's an exciting time, but there is still one thing to worry about ... work. Unfortunately, as adults, we don't get a summer vacation like we did back in school — which means we're expected to work year-round (ugh!). This can put a real damper on your day when you're stuck inside, sitting in meetings and sending emails.

It's difficult to stay productive when all you want to do is go outside and enjoy the nice weather, and we don't blame you! When you only get so many nice days during the year, it's totally normal to want to spend as much time outside as you can. However, your job doesn't care how nice the weather is. There is still work that needs to be done. If you're having trouble keeping up your productivity during these sunny days, we have a few tips for you to try.

First and foremost, it's important you prepare your work schedule ahead of time. Take an hour or so out of your weekend (or even better, before you clock out on Friday) to plan all the work that needs to be done during the upcoming week. This way, you know exactly what you need to take care of, so you can lay out the tasks you need to complete each day. Your productivity levels will be much higher when you have your weekly schedule ready to go. Work can get overwhelming when you're trying to do too many things at once, and you're likely to end up doing none of them.

If you aren't sure which tasks to prioritize, reach out to your supervisor and ask for specific deadlines. By doing so, you aren't racking your brain, trying to figure out what work should be completed first. You'll have a clear understanding of what's most important, which translates to your productivity level. Set aside time slots for each task to help you stay on track.

Even if you don't consider yourself a morning person, it's a great idea to wake up early and take advantage of the time you have before work. According to Amerisleep, it's been proven that waking up early increases your productivity levels by a significant amount. You can take this time to go over what you have to do for the day, but we recommend using this time as a mental reset. This could mean morning yoga or going for a walk before the rest of the world is awake.

By taking advantage of your mornings, you'll notice how productive you are during your workday. You'll have already spent time outside, so you're less likely to feel like you're missing out. Of course, that doesn't mean you'll be totally satisfied for the day, which is why we have additional tips to make that happen. After all, you're trying to get the most you can out of these sunny days.

Giving yourself a little treat once you've completed a task — no matter how big or small — will keep you productive throughout the day. Maybe you've been dying to get your hands on a certain pair of shoes, or perhaps you could really use a trip to Dairy Queen to get yourself a much-needed Blizzard. Whatever your craving may be, use it as an incentive to get stuff done. You could even give yourself some time outside if enjoying the sun has been on your mind all day. Think of it this way: the bigger the task, the greater the reward. 

It might be tempting to push your work to the side and reward yourself anyway, but treating yourself is going to feel a lot more satisfying after you've completed a task or attended a long-winded (and extremely boring) meeting you couldn't take outside. Though if you have the option, we highly suggest you take a trip to the outdoors — which brings us to our next tip.

If you work from home, this is definitely more doable than those who work in an office. All you need is a great wifi connection and you can take your work with you anywhere (don't forget hotspots exist too). This way, you won't feel like you're missing out on the nice weather, so you're more likely to stay productive. You're less likely to have sunny day FOMO if your workspace features 75-degree temperatures and a cool breeze. 

In situations where you're stuck working in an office space, head to a place where you can at least sit by the window and enjoy the sunshine. It's definitely not the same as sitting outside, but much better than staring at a blank wall. In some cases, your supervisor may let you take your work outside, but always make sure you get permission before you take off. We love the sun, but we love having a steady check even more.  

Yes, scheduling your workday is important, but don't forget to pencil in some time to take breaks as well. Getting outside is an easy and effective way to improve your mental health, per Harvard Public Health. It's crucial you take a few trips to the outdoors, even if that means sitting out on your balcony and soaking up the sun. This is also a great time to take a stroll around your neighborhood or a nearby park. If you have a dog, ensuring they get their necessary amount of exercise is a great excuse to take a break too.

Whether you take a few short breaks or a long one is up to you. We recommend taking shorter breaks throughout the day so you don't have to stare at your computer for several hours at a time. It's like giving your mind a break, which can keep your productivity up, even when you're dying to get outside.

For those of you that really have trouble focusing, ask a friend or coworker to hold you accountable during the workday. This could mean taking away your phone so you aren't distracted, or they can check your work to make sure you're actually getting stuff done. If you're both able to work from home, head out to a coffee shop or someplace that isn't your house. Changing up the scenery gives you some time outside, even if it's just during the walk to and from the coffee shop (or wherever you plan on working).

You can also hold your friend or coworker accountable too. It's a give-and-take situation. Maybe they have the same desire to head outside and can't focus on work. In this case, you can give each other an incentive — that you'll head to your favorite rooftop bar once both of you have completed your tasks for the day.

Like we discussed earlier, being outside does wonders for your mental health, so get out there once you've called it quits for the day. You deserve it! Make plans to hang out after work, whether that means having dinner on the bar patio or heading to an outdoor exercise class. Enjoying the sunny days on your own is nice, but it's also important to make time with friends. Combined, doing something in the nice weather will get you ready to be productive the next day. It may not seem like it at the moment, but watch how your productivity levels increase.

We understand how frustrating it can be working while the sun is out and the temperatures are high. But by using these tips and tricks, you'll find your workdays a lot more enjoyable and productive. Now, get out there and soak up that sun while we still have it!