Summer is here, and for those who are working full-time jobs, it can feel challenging to figure out how to both work and enjoy summer. 

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Here are four ways you can make the most of your summer while working full-time:

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1. Change up your morning and evening commute by walking or biking.

Make the most of the nice summer weather, especially in the morning and evening.

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• If you’re lucky enough to live biking or walking distance to work, take advantage of  the extra light in the summer, make the extra time to walk or bike to work. You’ll get exercise, enjoy fresh air, and save money!
• If this isn’t possible, consider driving part way to work and walking or biking partway. Or, find a walking path to enjoy before or after work. 

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2. Make your schedule summer-friendly.

If there is ever a time to change up your work hours, summer is it. Options for a summer-friendly schedule could be: 

• Starting work earlier so you can finish earlier and enjoy the longer summer evenings with friends and activities you enjoy. 
• Taking a longer lunch break like the people in Spain and enjoy some midday relaxation and fun and return to work later in the day.
• Frontloading more of your work in the earlier part of the week, so you can leave work early on Friday.

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3. Make your lunch breaks count.

I have written previously about the importance of taking your lunch break for your physical, mental and social wellbeing. In the summer, you can change up your lunch break by:

• Eating lunch outdoors.
• Meeting up for lunch with colleagues or friends,
• Using part of your lunch hour to take a walk. 
• Adjusting your work schedule to enjoy a longer lunch break or siesta.

4. Take Microadventures

The New York Times described microadventures as "short, perspective-shifting bursts of travel closer to home.” These are small and achievable adventures for people with real lives. 

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These can be: midweek adventures where you go somewhere after work and enjoy a full evening or even an overnight somewhere relatively close by; day trips to nearby natural or urban areas that you’re interested in exploring; or weekend warrior adventures to natural areas or new towns that are a reasonable distance away.

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What will you you do to make the most of your summer?

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