Balancing Fun in the Sun with Work

Summer Tips for Entrepreneurs

We’re scratching on summer over here in NY and I can smell the sunscreen. I happen to have 2 teenagers who are rapidly getting ready to fly the nest (which I’m totally not ready for.) So I’m feeling the importance of spending time with them more than ever this summer. I used to wrestle with trying to keep the kids active and still maintain my busy work schedule, but over the years I’ve figured out some great tips that might help you master your time and create a beautiful summer on your terms. I know you’re thinking, “that’s not possible. I’m too busy. She doesn’t understand my structure.” True, I don’t have eyes on your particular business, but the beauty of being an entrepreneur is you get to choose how you run your business. I’ll give you examples, but if the big guys (or gals) can do it, so can you.

1. Create your vision

Let’s play a game. Close your eyes, (after you read this of course). If you could imagine the perfect summer with a beautifully balanced work and play schedule, what does that look like? For me, it’s half-day Fridays, 2 weeks of split vacation (Charleston and Montauk), and finish by 3:30 almost daily.

Sound good to you? Cool. Write it down. Make a summer vision board. Whatever you need to do to create what you want this time to look like.

2. Flex your schedule

Here is how we’re going to do this. I’ll keep using my business as an example. I like half-day Friday’s in the summer because my husband also has a half-day on Fridays. There is nothing worse than everyone having fun around me and I’m stuck on yet another zoom call. I front-load my days. I start an hour earlier most mornings. That doesn’t work for everyone but figure out where you can get some extra time in your day to make sure you aren’t trying to jam 5 hours of work into a 2-hour day. We have to be realistic about this. So if you’re an early bird? Start your day at dawn and wrap up by mid-afternoon. Night owl? Split your work into morning and evening sessions, freeing up midday for some beach or hiking time.

Pro Tip: Keep your team and clients in the loop about your summer hours. Clear communication keeps everything running smoothly.

3. Go Mobile

Thanks to modern tech, you can take your work anywhere. Whether it’s a beachfront café or a shady park, change up your scenery and keep things fresh. Tools like Zoom, Slack, and Google Drive make it easy to stay connected and productive on the go.

Pro Tip: Invest in a portable Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected no matter where your summer adventures take you.

4. Set Boundaries and Take Breaks

Balance is all about boundaries. Set clear work and play times and stick to them. Regular breaks are essential for keeping your mind sharp and your creativity flowing. Use these breaks to enjoy summer activities—think a quick swim, a bike ride, or a walk in the park.

Pro Tip: Try the Pomodoro Technique—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four rounds, take a longer break. It’s a game-changer!

Pro Tip: Use tools like Clickup (if you know you know) to keep your schedule tight and your tasks on track. These bad boys help you see the big picture and tweak things as you go.

5. Delegate Like a Boss

You can’t do it all, and you shouldn’t have to. Delegate tasks to your team or outsource them. This frees you up to focus on what really matters and gives you more time to enjoy the summer sun.

Pro Tip: Check out platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find freelancers who can handle the tasks you’d rather not.

6. Make Work Fun

Who says work can’t be a blast? Spice up your routine with summer vibes. Hold meetings outdoors, plan team-building activities, or create a summer-themed workspace. When work is fun, productivity soars!

Pro Tip: Organize virtual or in-person summer events for your team. Think themed Zoom parties, outdoor brainstorming sessions, or casual get-togethers.

7. Stay Healthy and Hydrated

Summer fun can sometimes mean slacking on self-care. Keep yourself hydrated, eat well, and get enough sleep to stay energized. Regular exercise—whether it’s a morning jog or evening yoga—keeps you fit and focused.

Pro Tip: Carry a reusable water bottle and set reminders to drink water throughout the day. Load up on seasonal fruits and veggies for a healthy, refreshing boost.

I bang this drum a lot, but this truly is what being an entrepreneur is all about. You get to choose HOW you run your business. Balancing work and summer fun is all about smart planning, flexibility, and setting priorities. With these tips, you can run a successful business and still enjoy the sunny season to the fullest. Remember, it’s all about creating a harmonious blend of hustle and leisure. So, go ahead, soak up the sun, and make this summer your best one yet!