I specialize my interior design services in the new homes and condos building industry, and people in this industry work hard. It’s not just this industry, either – people in Toronto and the GTA, and around the world, work hard in general. I find that I and my peers often have a mentality of go-go-go – we work really hard and then we finally take a much-deserved break, like a week or two off during the Christmas holidays or a much-anticipated vacation to Europe or the tropics. It’s like there are only two modes: working your butt off or sipping margaritas by the pool.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve found that this model of working isn’t really sustainable. I’m a big fan and advocate of the in-between mode – where you’re still working and keeping your business running and succeeding, but also taking time to really enjoy life and to soak it all in, in a more relaxed way. I’m talking regular gatherings with family and friends, going on bike rides and adventures in the middle of the day, taking time for leisurely long weekend getaways, not working late, and prioritizing what’s most important in life.

There’s no better time to embrace this style of working than the summertime. The weather is beautiful, the kids are home from school, and the opportunities for socializing and travelling are plentiful.

Without further ado, here are my top 10 tips for unplugging this summer while remaining productive and successful in your work life:

#1: Focus on the essentials

This is not the time to get bogged down with starting a new, non-essential project. In both your work and your personal life, focus on the essentials. Read more about that here.

#2: Don’t do it alone

I’ve talked extensively before about the benefits of having a great team, and of outsourcing work that isn’t core to your own abilities and value. Read more about outsourcing and hiring a team here.

#3: Automate and pre-schedule anything you can

Email newsletters, social media posts, reports, meeting invites, invoicing, making payments – make a list of all the things you can automate or pre-schedule, and then spend an afternoon getting this work done. A few hours now will free up lots of time and brain space all summer long.

#4: Time block your schedule

Use time blocking to plan your days so that you can still get your essential work priorities accomplished while also blocking in time for other things you enjoy – for example, taking a walk in the park at lunch time or finishing work by 12pm on Friday so you can head off to the cottage. Read more about time blocking here.

#5: Make some exciting plans

Think about all the fun things you’d love to do this summer, and then make them happen by planning accordingly. Whether you’re planning with your partner and kids or making plans with extended family and friends, a summer of fun won’t always just happen organically – it can require some planning ahead. Bust out your calendar and block off time for all the fun activities you’d like to do.

#6: Leave some time unplanned

Making plans ensures that you’ll have fun activities and trips to look forward to, but there’s also huge benefit in having some unplanned free time during the summer. Leave some time unscheduled to allow for spontaneous plans and relaxation.

#7: Communicate your intentions

If you plan to unplug and be less available at work this summer, make sure you let your clients and teammates know what to expect. Communication is key!

#8: Set boundaries

If you’ve decided that, for example, you will stop working every Friday at 12pm and that you won’t be checking your emails over the weekend, stick to it! Set boundaries that feel good for you and then commit to them.

#9: Get creative

Sometimes, unplugging and recharging can be as simple as a change of scenery or reframing the way you think about a daily activity. Try working in your backyard, checking out a cute new coffee shop or patio for your next meeting, or switching up your work hours to better suit your summer mood and schedule.

#10: Make some time for summer reading

Make sure to spend some time relaxing and refreshing your mind this summer. There’s nothing like relaxing with a great book in the warmer months. Find a book that piques your interest, whether it’s the latest hot fiction, an amazing autobiography, or a professional development book (here are my top 10!).

Are you making an effort to unplug a bit more this summer and to focus on the essentials? If so, what’s your action plan? What challenges have you encountered? Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn, and let me know!