Do you realize your co-ops are half-way over?! It's truly unbelievable how quickly time flies. That being said, here is your question for the week:

How do you want to be remembered by everyone here? What do you want to be your "mark?" What are you going to do (or what have you been doing) to ensure you meet that goal?

I think it's acutally a little easier to focus with the office so quiet on Fridays. I try to stay focused by listening to music or the radio on my phone. I also like to read on my lunch break to get away from work and take my mind somewhere different. I'm just like Ashley in that the hardest part of my day is after lunch, so I try to get most of my work done as early as I can. Walking around and moving is also something I do to try to stay focused. The one thing I try hardest to avoid is watching the clock. If I'm constantly looking at what time it is and counting down to when I can leave, I'm totally unproductive and unfocused.

Focus has always been a real big issue for me.  It being summer really doesn't change much.  Fall or Spring, however, do tend to mess with me a bit.  Regardless, I've always found that the best way to keep focused is music.  It keeps my mind working, and prevents it from wandering.  Other than that, a short break to walk around the office, or catch up on some news online keeps the work fatigue away.

I agree it is very hard to stay focused in the summertime while at work. What helps me is to try and get as much work done as I can in the morning before lunch. That is when I feel I am most productive. Then I make sure I unwind during my lunch break. After lunch however is the hardest part of the day for me. I have found recently that plugging my headphones into my ipod and listening to music in the afternoon has been really helpful in keeping me focused. I also make sure I pack an afternoon snack which gives me a little energy boost during the afternoon when I start to get a little drowsy.

Summertime

Thinking about having some quite time to do your work without any distractions is already a way to go to enjoy the summer at work. I also listen to music, so that the quiteness does not freak me out. I also liked Jackie's idea of getting outside to enjoy the sun during lunch. Literally I went to the park with Jackie once and we had a pretty good time, and of course we plan doing this more often. Feel free to join everyone !

It is definitely hard to stay productive in the office during the summertime. I think for me what I try and do is to make sure I get outside during my lunch break. Occasionally I will meet some of my friends that work in the city in Love Park to eat lunch. It’s nice to get some fresh air and get out of the office for a little to refocus. I also think it’s a good idea to get some exercise in because for me that helps me stay awake and energized so I can complete my projects for the day.

It's summertime. It's hot out, people are taking vacations left & right, every Friday is quieter than usual. 

How do you stay productive in the office in the summertime?