This Summer Kickoff post has been sponsored by Pepto-Bismol. All opinions are my own. #PinkRelief
With summer days getting longer and hotter, it can be tough to be cooped up in the office all day. Just in time, along comes National Leave the Office Early Day on June 2.
National Leave the Office Early Day
Until that day rolls around, you can start making a list of all the ways you might spend that free afternoon. Here are a just a few ideas.
Urban Parks
If you live in the city and getting to a beach or a lake or some other outdoor activity is just out of the question for your free afternoon, seek out some green space in the city. Whether your town has a giant urban park or just some green squares, spending an afternoon in the sun with a blanket, some good friends or family, some snacks and a Frisbee or a book to read can be a terrific way to unwind outside of the office.
Outdoor Cooking
One of the great things about summer is the opportunity to do some outdoor grilling. Whether you do it on your own, in a friend’s backyard or at a park, be sure to bring along some Pepto-Bismol just in case something doesn’t sit right with one of you. If you’ve never grilled anything but the traditional hot dogs and hamburgers, try fish, chicken, or even halloumi cheese for something entirely different.
Hit the Water
From lakes to rivers to seasides to swimming pools, get relaxed or get some recreation near a body of water. Whether your idea of relaxing is floating in a pool with a good book, riding a jet ski, kayaking, lying in the sun with the sound of crashing waves behind you, boating or some other water-related activity, nothing goes together quite so well as a day off work and a day by the water.
A Day at the Lake Restores the Soul. – Unknown
Hit the Trails
Of course, it’s possible that water is not your thing. Maybe you’d much rather spend your time on a hiking trail. If you’re lucky enough to be within driving distance of a state or national park or other hiking trails, this can be a great solo activity as well as one for friends or family.
Go To a Movie
The above ideas are all about enjoying the great outdoors, but summer movies are one of the great pleasures of this time of year as well. Even better, with Leave the Office Early Day, you have time to catch a fun blockbuster in the early afternoon and still hit the lake, the hiking trails or the beach with plenty of sunshine to spare. In the meantime, catching a flick can be a great way of cooling down and, if you are particularly sensitive to the sun, waiting out those critical hours when the sun is at its most intense. Grab a big bucket of popcorn, a soft drink and be sure to pack a bottle of Pepto-Bismol just in case you overdo the movie treats.
Maybe that beach or hiking trail or cool body of lake water is a little bit far away, but a road trip can make getting there part of the fun. Get some tunes and some traveling companions and be a tourist in your own area with a road trip to a fun destination.
National Leave the Office Early Day can be a great way to break out of your routine on your own or with family or friends. Breaking up a routine can sometimes lead to upset stomachs and other minor ailments, so be sure that everyone keeps feeling healthy with a bottle of Pepto-Bismol handy.