Sunshine, light breezes, warm temperatures: Summer is just around the corner. After a long winter stuck inside, there's nothing most of us want more than to be outside, enjoying the sun.
Even if work has you stuck at your desk, you can still bring some summer fun indoors. Here are several ways to inject a little summer fun into your workday.
Seize the Summer -- Even if You're Stuck at Work
Missing a summer day doesn't mean having to miss your favorite summer tunes. Create a playlist with all your favorite summer hits, past and present. Get everyone else involved by asking for contributions, and create an ultimate list of the best summer jams.
If you've got a desk, cubicle or patch of space to call your own, bring some of the summer outdoors inside. Flowering plants, posters featuring your favorite summer getaway scene, or even small items like desktop sandboxes or colorful fish can all make your desk feel a little more relaxed.
Get creative by finding ways to add some of your favorite summer details to your work wardrobe while still staying within the company's dress code. Bright colors and fun prints are two easy ways to feel like you're having summer fun while still staying work-appropriate in many settings.
Full-spectrum lamps mimic the same light produced by the sun, so adding one to your workspace will help you feel more as if you are outdoors even if there isn't a single window in sight. An added bonus: Some studies indicate that full-spectrum lamp use can help chase away the "winter blahs" as well, so no reason to move your lamp when fall arrives!
Sure, you might have to miss some of the sunshine and fresh air while you're at work -- but you certainly don't have to miss all of it. During your lunch or break times, step outside, take a deep breath, and simply enjoy the beautiful weather. You'll improve your mood and help yourself relax, which will improve your productivity and make the rest of the day fly by.
Does your employer allow you to use "flex-time" options? Consider exercising them now. For instance, come in to work an hour earlier in the morning so you can leave an hour earlier in the afternoon -- giving you time to enjoy the sunniest, warmest part of the day.
Talk to your boss and co-workers to see if you can start a tradition of grilling together for lunch on Fridays. Set up a potluck-style lunch or see if your employer will chip in for food, treats, or other picnic essentials. If the plan falls through, don't despair: You can always pack your summer favorites in your own lunch, and find a place outdoors to enjoy them.
Even if you can't hit the bar or the beach with a cold drink, you can bring some of the same fun indoors. Skip the alcohol in favor of treats like ice cream or frozen fruit bars. Taking an hour away from work will make everyone more productive and contribute to building a stronger company culture -- two things every employer thinks about.
If your summertime blues have to do more with the work itself than the weather, it might be time to look for a new job. Check out local job boards, update your LinkedIn profile, or talk to a recruiter to find out what your options are.
