As the long, lazy days of summer begin with hopefully some decent weather to coincide, we are planning our next few months here at the BEC we use this time as our seasonal reset. We are undertaking some office moves and a revamp we spend so much time here having nice surroundings is important, and it boosts staff morale too!
We are making some physical changes to Three Sixty work rooms as well, with a new tenant taking part of the building so we will have building works to contend with as well.
Of course, we also have staff taking holidays my work wife is about to abandon me for three exceedingly long weeks 😊 last time she left emergency sweets which had gone by day two!
We have also just closed the applications for round two of Amplify which will start in September so Shanice our fab project officer is working her way through the 67 applications. It is great to see it building momentum with a 35% increase in applications and we will endeavour to support as many applications as possible. Last week our first group finished, and we had a small celebratory event, it was refreshing to hear their stories and how the programme had supported them in their business.
We are gearing up for our social sector support programme Building Bridges, which has started already but will gain momentum in September. This will mean a busy finish to the year. I am also wading my way through writing grant applications which if you are in this space can be a thankless and soul-destroying process when they are unsuccessful. I will defo need emergency sweets!
Of course, it’s still business as usual, our conference business goes quiet and we purposely stop the training calendar as its hard to focus when the children are around, but the workspaces are still busy and of course the businesses we support still need advice and mentoring as situations arise over the summer.
Starting summer break while managing work responsibilities can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some thoughts from me about how to make this time work.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Create a schedule that designates specific hours for work and leisure. Communicate your availability to colleagues and stakeholders to ensure they respect your time off, the right to disconnect is invaluable.
2. Plan Mini-Breaks
Incorporate mini breaks throughout your day. Take short walks, enjoy a coffee break outside in the fresh air. These small moments can refresh your mind and help maintain productivity.
3. Use holiday Days Wisely
I have lost far too many days off to tidying cupboards, sorting wardrobes and other such things, I am sure I am not alone so, if possible, plan to take a few days at the start of summer. This will give you a solid break to recharge and transition into the summer mindset. Even a long weekend can make a substantial difference.
4. Create a Summer Bucket List
List activities you want to enjoy this summer. Include both short-term activities, like visiting a local park, and longer-term plans, like a weekend getaway or reading that book. This list can serve as a reminder to make time for fun amidst your work schedules.
5. Optimise Your Workspace
Make your work environment as pleasant as possible. If you work from home, set up your workspace near a window or add some plants. If you’re in an office, take advantage of natural light and fresh air during breaks, come and work from our spaces if you need a break! Remember you can work from Three Sixty Workrooms on a Wednesday for free through the six weeks holiday.
6. Prioritise Self-Care
Summer is an excellent time to focus on self-care. The world seems a nicer place when you are mentally in a good place.
7. Leverage Flexible Work Options
If your job allows, consider flexible work options such as adjusting your hours or working remotely. This flexibility can enable you to better balance work and leisure activities.
8. Stay Organised
Use planners or digital calendars to keep track of work deadlines and personal activities. Staying organized can help reduce stress and ensure you make the most of your time.
9. Plan After-Work Activities
Make the most of your evenings and weekends. Plan activities like attending local events, dining out, or simply enjoying a sunset. These small outings can make your summer feel more fulfilling.
10. Stay Present
When you’re not working, try to be fully present in your activities. Avoid checking work emails or thinking about work tasks. This mental break is crucial for enjoying your summer break.
Whatever you are doing over the summer period I hope you make time for fun as well as the serious stuff and we will see you back with our new plans for September! Of course, if you need us over the summer we will still be here, and you can get in touch through all the normal channels.