City of Whimsy: 10 Tips to Stay Motivated All Summer Long

What’s not to love about this city? The art installation over the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway truly is whimsical. I’ve mentioned this before, but quick little walks (no more than 15 minutes) once or twice throughout the day really rejuvenate me for the rest of the work day. Boston has so much going on in the summertime. Since no one really wants to be out and about during the winter, everyone wants to take advantage of the summer scene. That means harborside roofdecks, sidewalk patios, and lots and lots of people watching.

Here are my tips for staying focused and motivated throughout the summer.

1. Take frequent walks // When the sun is shining and you’re longing for a day at the beach, get outside! Take a 15-20 minute walk around the block in the sun. It will feel good to get out of the air conditioning, even if only for a moment.
2. Drink lots of water // It can be hot outside and freezing inside. Help to stabilize your body temperature by staying hydrated.
3. Dress the part // There is no better way to celebrate summer than with bright colors! Wear a bright printed dress or a colorful statement necklace for an instant mood brightener.
4. Try matcha tea // Get your daily dose of caffeine, but with an added bonus of lots of antioxidants. Get all the details here.
5. Exercise // This might be the hardest one for me to fit it in with a busy summer schedule, but it is oh so important. Jogging or doing yoga a few times a week can really boost both personal confidence and energy levels.
6. Set goals // Reflect back on goals you set at the beginning of the year. Are you still on track? It’s easy to get distracted during the summer, but if you set a goal to accomplish by the end of the summer, it will be that much easier to work hard toward a short-term tangible milestone.
7. Make after work plans // Meet up with friends when the workday is over. Take advantage of the beautiful evenings by grabbing drinks on a roofdeck around town. Having something to look forward to at the end of the day can keep spirits high.
8. Decorate // Place motivational prints around the office to keep you going and put a smile on your face. I just ordered this and this to hang above my desk.
9. Give into temptation // Do this every once in a while! Grab an ice cream cone after lunch just…because! It is summer after all, and I think this season brings out the inner child in all of us. Don’t you want to recreate a visit to the ice cream truck?
10. Take a vacation // Or a weekend get away. Summer is for relaxing, enjoying the weather, and soaking up the sun. Americans don’t take enough vacation time in comparison to the rest of the world. Do you have a few extra PTO days? Head to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for a long weekend. You won’t regret it!

Check out my snaps from some of my weekday work breaks. Also, I’d love to know, how do you stay motivated during the summer? Let me know in the comments below!