Ways you can still enjoy summer when you’re stuck at the office

Summer has officially arrived and it looks as if its here to stay (for now). Although we all enjoy the longer days and warmer weather, there’s nothing worse than seeing everyone you know posting endless photos of them enjoying their holidays in the sun when you’re stuck at work. That’s enough for anyone to start to feel in a slump and long for time off. However just because you’re stuck inside when you’d prefer to enjoy the glorious days outside doesn’t mean you still can’t make the most out of summer. Here are a few little ways you implement in your working life to still make you feel summery.

Switch to lunch outside

Catch some rays during the day and get a bit of fresh air by sitting outside for you lunch. If your workplace doesn’t have any good areas to sit and relax in, maybe try walking to a nearby park or even sitting outdoors at a local coffee shop. Even better, change up your usual lunch by ditching the boring sandwich and going for a wrap, or even treating yourself to a burger from that nearby van that always smells delicious. It’s amazing what a bit of fresh air and vitamin D can do to your mind and body. It improves your mood and can help clear your brain if you’ve had a particularly stressful day or are just feeling a bit stuffy. Even if you can’t get out for lunch, make sure to set aside time in your day to get outside. It could be for a quick walk with your dog or even ditching the car to take a stroll to the local shops. If you’re working at home then take the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful lunchtime or morning cup of coffee in your garden, or maybe even taking your laptop outside to do work in the sun.

Brighten up your desk

Colours affect our mood and work ethic, so why not include bright summery colours into your workspace? It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, but it could include colourful post-it notes or a fun poster. You can even bring the outdoors inside by buying a small plant for your desk. If you love the great outdoors then having some greenery that you can see might make you feel a little better. Of course, it goes without saying that if you do decide to bring a plant into the office then remember to water it and keep it alive. Your colleagues won’t thank you if that plant starts to turn brown!

Bring in some frozen treats

Brighten up your co-workers days on hot days by bringing in some frozen treats for them to enjoy. People like having a treat during the day and enjoy these treats even more when they aren’t expected. Bringing in treats such as ice lollies and encourage others to take them when they next have a break (they could even enjoy them outside). What’s more, it’s a fantastic way to get your team’s mood improved by breaking up their day a little bit.

Change up your schedule

If your work allows you to be flexible with your hours, then take advantage of this. You could start coming in earlier so that you can leave a bit earlier than that 5pm finish and enjoy the cool summer evenings. You could even change up your daily commute as well. One of the worst parts of winter is the shorter days, meaning you usually head to work in the dark and come home in the dark as well and don’t actually spend much time in the daylight. However, since the days are longer and your commute is in the light instead, you have that option to try out different routes. Leave a bit earlier and take that scenic route to work instead of the boring main roads. Or maybe you could even leave the car at home and walk or cycle instead (also a great environmental factor). Doing this small change will give you some excitement, something to look forward to in your day.

In the UK we realise how short summer feels, so make sure you make the most of the sun while it lasts! Make the most of your days off by getting outside and enjoying the best spots of your local area. Always remember if you are getting outside this summer, then stay safe by putting on sun cream, respecting our landscape by picking up rubbish after yourself, and always have a plan B destination in mind in case your first destination is too busy. However, with these little tips you don’t have to constantly envy everyone you know who is outside in the sun as you can bring summer inside for you to enjoy too.

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