GirlsGuideTo | 5 Ways to Enjoy Summer Without Taking Off Work

Sure, you can recall the anxiety of post-grad life before you scored your first full-time job or internship that finally didn't require weekends. While a steady paycheck is great, we can all admit to feeling a bit envious of our friends who can still enjoy lazy summer days while we're still stuck in the office. Since true summer vacations ended forever ago, and we can't be college students for too long, we've found some ways to enjoy the summer even when you're working a 9 to 5.

1. Spend Saturday in the Sun
Studies show being outside actually makes you happier, so soak up the sunshine and enjoy the summer breeze while the weather still permits. Since you’re in the office all week, you need to really make an effort to get outside on your days off. Don’t waste the weekend running errands or cleaning the house. Try to work on those chores all week, so you can truly relax come Friday night. Make an effort to do the little things outside, like going for a jog instead of hitting the gym, reading a book on your porch, and especially, dining al fresco.

2. Indulge in Summery Films

If you can’t afford a trip, go there through film. While I don’t yet have the budget to travel abroad, I’ll satisfy the craving with a movie that takes place in my fave locale, such as Midnight in Paris. If you’re looking for something more nostalgic, revisit movies from your youth with classics like Stand By Me, Dirty Dancing, and Jaws.

3. Treat Yourself to a Summer Makeover

I’m always changing my look for the changing seasons; it’s the perfect excuse. Freshen up your look with some highlights or, for a less permanent change, indulge in a bright, tropical-colored mani/pedi. Spending an afternoon getting beautified is a relaxing way to splurge on yourself, because you deserve it.

4. Know When to Call it a Day
If you’re one of the lucky who loves their job, or even if you don’t, know when it’s time to call it a day. Work hard while you’re there and don’t feel obligated to stay after hours. Hit up happy hour for some tropical cocktails with your coworkers, too. Spending time, even if you’re not imbibing, with your officemates increases your “social capital,” which may translate to a bigger paycheck. I can’t think of a better win-win situation than that.

5. Enjoy Seasonal Smoothies

Take advantage of all the seasonal fruits and veggies when they’re at their best. Try out some handcrafted cocktails or whip up a work-friendly smoothie. This will be a tasty, summery treat that’s good for your waistline, too! Here's a great recipe to try.

And lastly,

Use that PTO, already!

Americans waste so much of their vacation time by simply not using it. If you’re lucky enough to have it, please take advantage of it. It doesn’t make a difference if you go camping for the weekend, visit your family in Florida, or jet off to the Bahamas, just do it. You work hard, so make sure you play hard, too!

Have you taken a summer vacation recently? If not, how do you try to enjoy every last bit of summertime? Let us know in the comments below!