Sun, Sand, and Creativity: 10 Ways to Stay Focused in Nice Weather
Ever try to work, but it’s too sunny out for its own good?
The weather is turning here in Buffalo, NY.
Life is thriving.
The sun is shining.
The temperature is rising.
This creates a jarring conflict within any creative pro:
“I want to make great work, but it’s so damn nice out. How do I focus on work when the weather is nice?!”
As a creative professional, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential to avoid burnout and stay focused on the craft.
With the warmer weather and sunshine beckoning us outside, finding ways to balance work and leisure can feel impossible.
There are two schools of thought here:
Buckle in and find a way to focus
Enjoy the weather while it lasts (especially in a place like Buffalo where the sun seems to shine for only a few months before the first snow)
Everything in Moderation
My high-school mentor, teacher, and coach used to say, “Everything in moderation.”
Often the balance we try to strike between work and play is one where “the work” is weighing us down. We get stressed out and can’t get away fast enough from our professional obligations. We yearn for the recharge and rest.
The opposite can be true as well though:
If we spend too much time avoiding our creativity, we may regret the lost opportunity to improve ourselves.
Don’t lose sight of the creative reps that will help you evolve your career and reach your long-term goals. But don’t neglect the other parts of life that feed that creative spirit.
Sometimes we need help.
We need help finding the balance between the moment and the future.
Today, let’s talk about ways we can get the best of both worlds.
Here are 10 ways to find the balance.
1. Understand Your Work Habits
Know Your Peak Productivity Hours
Understanding your work habits is the first step towards a better work-life balance. Recognize your peak productivity hours, and schedule your most critical tasks during those times. If you are a morning person, wake up early, and dive into your work. If you are an evening person, use the mornings to relax and recharge before tackling your tasks.
Choose Your Work Environment Wisely
Be honest with yourself about your ability to work in specific environments. If you can focus outside at a picnic table or on a lounge chair, take advantage of the nice weather and work outdoors. However, if you find yourself getting easily distracted, it might be best to stick to a quieter, more controlled environment.
2. Break Up Your Workday
Use the Pomodoro Technique
Instead of thinking, "I have to work eight hours today," try breaking your day into smaller, more manageable work sessions. The Pomodoro Technique is an excellent method for this: work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This approach helps maintain focus and prevents burnout.
Set Hourly Work Goals
During each work session, set a specific goal to accomplish. Achieving these smaller objectives will give you a sense of progress and motivation, allowing you to enjoy your leisure time without guilt.
3. Plan Your Work According to the Weather
Check the Weekly Forecast
Plan your work week according to the weather forecast. On days with less-than-ideal weather conditions, buckle down and tackle your tasks. Conversely, beautiful days should be reserved for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Adjust Your Work Schedule
If possible, adjust your work schedule to make the most of the nice weather. Consider starting earlier or working later to allow yourself more time to enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures during your leisure time.
4. Reward Yourself for Productivity
Set Up a Reward System
Incentivize yourself to stay focused and productive by setting up a reward system. If you complete your to-do list for the day early, treat yourself to an afternoon off or an outdoor activity. If you must stay at your desk until the evening, take breaks and meals outside to enjoy the nice weather.
Treat Yourself After Work
After a successful day of work, reward yourself with a treat, such as a drink with friends, a walk in the park, or simply some time to enjoy the weather. This positive reinforcement will keep you motivated to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
5. Prioritize Your Health and Wellbeing
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise has been proven to increase focus, enhance creativity, and improve overall well-being. It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common causes of burnout among creative professionals. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, to make the most of the nice weather.
Take Breaks for Mindfulness
Allow yourself time each day for mindfulness and relaxation. This can be as simple as a 10-minute meditation session, a quick yoga practice, or deep breathing exercises. Taking breaks for mindfulness can help you recharge and stay focused on your work.
6. Embrace Outdoor Inspiration
Keep a Sketchbook or Journal
Carry a sketchbook or journal with you wherever you go. Use it to record your observations, thoughts, and ideas as you explore your surroundings. The natural beauty of the outdoors, as well as the people and architecture you encounter, can serve as a rich source of inspiration for your creative projects.
Spend Time in Nature
Spending time in nature has been shown to boost creativity and improve mental health. Schedule regular breaks throughout your day to enjoy the outdoors, whether it's a walk in the park, a hike, or simply sitting in the sun for a few minutes.
7. Surround Yourself with Diverse Influences
Network with People from Different Backgrounds
To fuel your creativity, spend time with people from diverse backgrounds and fields of expertise. Engage in conversations, ask for advice, and explore new perspectives to broaden your understanding and inspire new ideas.
Attend Cultural Events
Regularly attend cultural events such as art exhibitions, theater performances, and concerts. These experiences can serve as a source of inspiration and help you stay connected to the creative community.
8. Limit Distractions
Manage Your Smartphone Use
Smartphones can be a major source of distraction, pulling you away from your work and your surroundings. Set specific times during the day for checking your phone, and resist the urge to use it during your designated work sessions.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
Establish a dedicated workspace that is free from distractions. This can be a home office, a coworking space, or even a quiet corner in a coffee shop. Having a space where you can focus on your work will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
9. Embrace Spontaneity and Novelty
Say Yes to New Experiences
Allow yourself to embrace spontaneity and new experiences. This can be as simple as trying a new hobby, taking an impromptu trip, or exploring a new part of your city. These experiences can fuel your creativity and keep your mind sharp.
Break the Rules
Sometimes, the best way to inspire creativity is to break the rules. Challenge conventional wisdom, question norms, and don't be afraid to defend your unique ideas.
10. Maintain a Clean and Organized Space
Declutter Your Workspace
A cluttered workspace can hinder your creativity and focus. Set aside time each week to declutter your space, ensuring that your work environment is conducive to productivity and inspiration.
Organize Your Thoughts
Keeping your thoughts organized can help you stay focused on your work. Use tools such as to-do lists, calendars, and project management software to keep track of your tasks and ideas.
Final Thoughts
Striking the perfect work-life balance as a creative professional requires self-awareness, discipline, and a willingness to embrace new experiences.
By implementing these strategies, you can maintain your focus, boost your creativity, and make the most of the beautiful weather while still achieving your professional goals.
TL; DR
When the weather is nice it can feel impossible to focus
Everything in moderation
10 ways to improve your balance with work and good weather
Understand your work habits
Break up your work day
Plan your work according to the weather
Reward yourself for productivity
Prioritize your health and wellbeing
Embrace outdoor inspiration
Surround yourself with diverse influences
Limit distractions
Embrace spontaneity and novelty
Maintain a clean and organized space
Question to Ponder
There are 10 strategies to pick from. Which one will you try first?
DM me on LinkedIn.
Quote of the Week
Motivation for the days ahead of you.
“…Little darlin', I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darlin', it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's alright…”
— The Beatles
That's all for now.
Stay creative, my friends—and have a great week!
