Summertime brings a season of pool-side lounging, delicious BBQ, and a flurry of distractions. It can be challenging to stay focused with gorgeous weather calling your name at every glance out the window. In fact, trying to balance summer fun with a productive work schedule can be a downright struggle – especially if you work from home.
Working from a home office already presents challenges of managing your time effectively and staying focused on priority projects, while not becoming overwhelmed with the stress of doing it all. These 5 tips will help break up the day and bring some zen to your home office this summer.
1) Add aromatherapy to your routine with a diffuser
You know how when you stop and smell the roses (or any flower, really), especially on stressful days, you get an immediate sense of calm, like your tension is just melting away? That’s because your sense of smell can be used to completely alter your mood. Instead of waiting to stumble across a field of flowers, bring the soothing benefits of nature inside with aromatherapy and essential oils. Lavender is one of the most calming of the essential oils, whereas citrus oils can boost your energy; mix it up to find a blend that brings your home office to life.
2) Use a break timer to schedule moments to re-energize and breath
Getting into the zone on any project can you help you stay more focused and increase your productivity, but working just for the sake of putting in hours does more to derail your work ethic. Taking breaks to indulge in diversions and distractions actually increases your attention, not to mention your mental health. Schedule a timer to pause every hour – or whatever time works for you. The result will be more creativity, less burnout, and better stress management.
3) Turn off the AC and use an Evaporative Cooler for moisture
If you’re wondering about the difference between air conditioning and evaporative cooling, you’re not the first! Although they work similarly in that they both cool you off, evaporative coolers actually freshen and moisturize the air. Improving air quality has been linked to decreasing stress, plus it’s an eco-friendly solution that cuts down on energy use, saving you time. Whether you’re inside at work or outside at the barbecue, your body will thank you.
4) Drink kombucha or relaxing teas
Kombucha and tea in general are ancient drinks that have been linked to numerous health benefits like antioxidants and killing bacteria for thousands of years. Kombucha has even been called the Immortal Health Elixir by the Chinese. Herbal teas and Kombucha can improve your digestion and boost your immune system. Swapping your coffee fix for afternoon tea is not only delicious, but a great way to relax, defuse anxiety, and calm your stress.
5) Keep an office water cooler or refillable water bottle
We often don’t even notice symptoms of thirst or mild dehydration when we’re cooped up inside all day. It’s more common than you might expect, but we often just forget to hydrate. Ever notice that you guzzle water when it’s right in front of you, even if you didn’t feel thirsty? Making water more visible is one of the best ways to counteract dehydration. Spring for a water cooler, or keep a refillable water bottle at your desk. You’ll feel more satiated at meals and can even refresh your mood.