Every year since my junior year of high school I have been working summer jobs in order to generate some income before the busy school year starts again. From working at a fast food restaurant to conducting research in a neuroscience lab, the one thing I have always disliked about working in the summer was the fact that I never had the opportunity to enjoy the warm Georgia sun or clear blue skies. Even though Georgia's summers can be wrought with storms and rain, I still long for some time outdoors when there is pleasant weather. Even while I'm working in the lab, however, I have found ways to enjoy the fresh air without letting it impact my productivity. These moments have been crucial in allowing me to become re-energized for the workday.

Work near a window.

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Depending on the nature of your work, you might not luck out with a window seat. Or, if you're like me, you might need to be working in a designated space away from any windows to the outside. In order to allow myself a glimpse of the outdoors on busy days, I try to take every opportunity I can to sit by a window for a few minutes while writing down some notes or working on my laptop. I find this to be a relaxing way to be productive while feeling more liberated. Not only does the direct sunlight brighten my mood, but it also provides me with the fuel to remain productive throughout the rest of the workday. If you're not a fan of the summer heat, and it can get quite hot in the South, then this is the perfect way to see the sun without sweating up a storm.

Take your lunch outside.

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Although summers can be excruciatingly hot at times, taking lunch outside for just thirty minutes can be so refreshing, especially if you find a shady spot. I personally believe it is a great way to meet new people as I get to sit and eat with students and staff who I don't normally engage with when I'm not taking my lunch outdoors in a public place.

Take a quick stroll.

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At some point during the day, productivity is at an all-time low, and I catch myself paying more attention to the clock than to my work. It is at this point that I take a break and walk around outside my building. Not only is it important to remain physically active during the work day, but these brief excursions allow me to clear my head and step away from the familiarity of my work space. In doing so, I am reminded that there is more to life than our nine to fives. We just need to schedule some time to appreciate the things we take for granted, even if it is something as normal as the weather.

Whether you're taking classes this summer, interning, working, or doing any activity that requires you to be indoors for extended periods of time, I encourage you to do your best to step outside, even if it's just for a moment. I hope you find yourself more relaxed, more productive, and most importantly, a little more in touch with the beauty summer brings.