While being an adult does come with the responsibilities that require healthcare workers to continue showing up to their jobs throughout June, July, and August, it’s still possible to get a lot of miles out of your summer fun!
Here’s how to make the most of the summer months without quitting your job.
Take it outside.
If you and some friends try to take a coffee break together, why not get your mugs and go outside? Lunch break? Go outside! Have a 15-minute break coming up? Take it outside! Get out whenever you can, even for a few minutes! Take those opportunities to get some sunshine and fresh air whenever you can, as often as you can. You remember what winter’s like, so take time now to enjoy the weather.
Organize a group activity outside.
Talk to your colleagues and see if there’s interest in joining a pick-up sports league — softball, kickball, pickleball, basketball, you name it! Having a fun, pre-scheduled outdoor activity gives you something to look forward to regularly, knowing you’ll spend some quality time outside while doing something fun and active.
Suggest a cookout.
If you have a park nearby, or a decent-sized parking lot, talk to supervisors about organizing a cookout. Everyone who wants to participate can bring a dish to pass or chip in to fund the goodies, and the designated chef can turn a regular day into a party. Make sure to have options available for the vegans and vegetarians among you! If the day shift can enjoy and participate, try to coordinate with the afternoon or evening shift teams so they don’t miss out on the fun.
Keep some summer essentials in your vehicle (or backpack), just in case.
If you live near a pool, pond, lake, river, etc., it might be a good idea to keep some sunscreen, bug spray, a towel, a bathing suit, and a beach bag in your car or find a way to keep these items handy if you bike or take public transit to work. You never know when inspiration will strike. It’s a different happy hour you can only do in the summer!
Be smart with your vacation time.
Healthcare workers might not automatically get the same holidays off as their office-employed friends and relatives. But you have vacation time coming to you — you earned it as part of your compensation package! Taking the Monday before July 4th off will give you a four-day weekend if you work strictly weekdays; taking off the Friday before Labor Day will do the same. If you can’t swing that, try to take a few three-day weekends throughout the summer to give yourself a break. When you have an extra day or two off, please make the most of it by going on a day trip, visiting an amusement park, or enjoying something only available when the weather’s warm. Give yourself a break if it’s just the local ice cream stand!
It can be hard working in healthcare when summer is passing by. But you don’t have to miss all of it! Talk with your supervisor and see what warm weather activities might be possible, and make the most of what you have while you have it.
If your current job gives you winter blahs during the summer, call AMEA Healthcare and see what we can do for you!
Check out the healthcare positions we’re looking to hire, and let us know what sounds like a good fit.
