Summer brain drain is usually associated with children and school holiday. However, not many people are aware of the fact that adults are also affected by the “summer slump.” But while with students the seasonal brain drain has more to do with their regressing skills and knowledge, with adults it has more to do with productivity and energy. It is considered that there are three main factors that cause summer brain drain in adults – the sunny weather, vacation daydreaming and school holidays. The latter is limited only to parents whose kids are enjoying the summer off-school days at home. During the summer, adults who have children need to spend more time preparing meals and finding ways to keep them entertained even when they are at work. That, of course can be more than draining. The thought of a summer vacation can further harm the productivity of adults, making them lazier and more distracted than the usual.
If you think that you are suffering from a summer brain drain, there are a few things you can do to fight and reverse it. Moreover, they may even help you become more productive.
Unplug as soon as you leave the office – Since many people today have a smartphone, they rarely stay offline. Even when they step out the office, they devices continue to bombard them with email and social media notifications. In addition to that, very few are those people who are able to ignore the constant beeping and just enjoy a pleasant evening with their friends or a calm dinner with their family. Most of them are tempted to look at the flashing screen and end up spending a few more hours stuck online for one reason or another. Therefore, it is best if you make an attempt to stay unplugged after work. If you manage to do that, you will feel much more refreshed in the office even on a busy day.
Take some time off – There is one key rule you should remember – vacationless summers are always a bad idea. If you are planning to save your annual work leave for the autumn or for the winter, you may find it almost impossible. Even if you have enjoyed a fair amount of work-off days in the last few months, you will be tempted to go on a summer holiday with all the happy vacationers around you. Therefore, it is better if you give in and enjoy some days away from the office. That will allow you to recharge your batteries.
Stay active – If you are already feeling drained, your only thought may be to lay your head on a pillow and stretch your legs. However, that would be a mistake since it will only help you relax, but it will not boost your energy. Instead, make an attempt to stay active. For instance, go on long walk after work or meet up with a group of friends in your favourite café or restaurant. You can even purchase a card for the gym and spend a couple of months improving your physical shape. At first, that will make you feel even more time. But in a week or so, your body will get used to the new rhythm and you will feel physically revived.
Go outside – Just like children, adults also need to spend some time outside during the summer. The sun is a natural vitalizer and it will quickly boost your energy. However, do avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day. Enjoy an early morning or late evening walk in the park to help your organism adapt to the new season.
Fight the adult summer brain drain with these simple tips and you may enjoy your most productive summer ever.
