After what seems like a very long extra cold winter, I am very ready for spring and warmer weather. Mr. Groundhog said just a few more weeks away, right? So I have plenty of patience…

While waiting for shorts-weather, I find myself daydreaming about time on the beach, feeling lazy and wanting to ‘play’ instead of work. Normally, I am usually a pretty conscientious person, so why am I feeling blue, overwhelmed and so unproductive? I must be suffering from ‘Spring Fever’.

• The dictionary definition of spring fever is: “A listless, lazy, or restless feeling commonly associated with the beginning of spring.”

Long days of cold, snow, or even rain and the lack of outdoor activities can make us feel restless. No wonder we want to stare out of our office window on a beautiful sunny day instead of work!

Here are some ideas to combat that Spring Fever:

1. Just Give In!

When you long for that walk on the beach or time on the golf course, my rule; just give in! If you can get away do it, take a break, have fun and go on a little vacation and come back relaxed, re-energized and ready to go.

2. Go outside!

If you can’t get away, then find a better work location, get outside into the sunshine and get some much needed
vitamin D. Science proves we all need fresh air and sun. Take your laptop, your cell phone and some paper and pens to the park, find a bench, or a shady tree, and work where it’s brighter! Make your work, and your life, portable!

3.  Bring it indoors!

If it is not possible to get outside, open a few windows or work on your deck or patio. You can even dress casual (put
 those shorts on) and sip some lemonade while you work! Buy yourself some fresh flowers, a sprig of lilac or azaleas add not only color but wonderful aromas to your home and bring the promise of what is just around the corner!

4. Break up your work day into sections.

Feeling blocked, and/or restless? Don’t fight it. Sitting there for hours trying to get things accomplished when you just can’t concentrate is only going to make the problem worse. Spend a couple of hours doing work, and then if you need to, take some time out to clear your head. Chances are, when you return, you’ll be primed for productivity. And don’t forget that sometimes the greatest ideas are born when the sun goes down!

5. Spring cleaning!

In the spring, everything seems new, fresh and alive. Make your office or work environment feel the same way. Clean
up, clear out and throw away all the clutter that piled up over the winter. Paint the walls, order that new computer, and organize those files that have been sitting there all year. Make your office, and your life, as clean and crisp as spring. This is important! A messy, cluttered studio or office adds to the feeling of dread; a clean workspace makes for better productivity!

These are just a few ideas, what are your some of your ideas for combatting spring fever?