How to Beat Procrastination: Summer Edition

The word summer makes most of us think of holidays, barbecues and sunny weather. Since we know this season offers plenty of temptations, we've put together 4 tips to help you stay productive. Read on to find out how to finish any project - an important task at work, planning a family party or building a garden shed.

Don't Step Out of the Routine

Routine doesn't have to be something scary; on the contrary, it can help create healthy work habits. In addition to adding structure to your days, it's proven to increase productivity and lead to mental well-being. So try to get back to it as soon as possible after your holidays so you don't fall out of the flow completely.

When planning and setting your routine, remember to think about rest, both active and passive. Working from morning to night may not pay off, as you'll learn in the next paragraph. It is also important to take breaks while you work.

Schedule the End

Boundaries between work and personal life prevent burnout and promote stability. Even though you're working from home/on something of your own, set an hour to symbolize the end of your working hours. Once you're done, you can move on to private priorities and rest. Also, the amount of daily tasks should be achievable.

Author's Tip:

In the summer, I try to get most of my work done in the morning so I don't have to think about it for the rest of the day and can fully focus on other things. I spend my free time trying out new recipes and various DIY projects related to my home, in addition to traveling, since I don't have enough extra capacity for them during other seasons.

Find a Workplace

Designate a space to work and a space to relax. Not only by scheduling, but also by using boundaries in your physical space you'll kick up your productivity and improve your rest. When working, avoid the bed and couch from which you watch TV in the evening. If you don't have an office or workshop, at least set up a desk or head to one of the shared offices and makerspaces.

Avoid Distractions

Before you really get down to business, have all the things you might need on hand. But at the same time, put aside items that you know will distract you. The most common distraction is your mobile phone, so put that away for a while and come back to it after you've completed your goal.

Also, multitasking is not something we recommend when it comes to important tasks.

Author's Tip:

When I need to concentrate on a task, I turn on Do Not Disturb mode on my computer and put my phone away where I can't reach it. But it's also important for me not to have other responsibilities lying around. When I see a pile of laundry or unwashed dishes, I feel the urge to get up and go clean them up right away.

To each his own. Share your tips on how to stay immune to summer temptations. Comment below the article or share them in the MAXP group.

Author of the blog post:

Šárka Dvořáčková, Nadační fond vzdělávání a podnikání