Juggling fun in the sun and work this summer: tips for couples

Juggle fun in the sun and work to-dos with less struggle

Work-life balance tips for couples this summer

Our couples therapist Natalie Bergman shares some tips to help couples nail work-life balance this summer.

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Natalie Bergman, DCP, RPsych
COUPLES THERAPIST

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All work and no play makes couples dull
on a sunny day

Balancing work and personal life can be tricky for couples, especially during the summer: a time when the weather is warm, ice cream is extra tempting, and all we want to do is relax and enjoy our partner’s company.

Here are some tips to help couples navigate the summer season with ease.

Plan together

Kick off the summer by sitting down with your partner and planning your activities. Prioritize what’s most important and create a schedule that works for both of you.

Flex your work options

If possible, take advantage of flexible work arrangements like remote work or flexible hours during the summer. This can help you balance your professional responsibilities with summer fun.

Set boundaries

Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Focus on work during work hours and disconnect when you’re off the clock. Enjoy your time together without work distractions!

Mini getaways and staycations

Plan mini-vacations or staycations to explore local attractions and enjoy quality time together. A weekend getaway can be just as refreshing as a longer trip.

Share responsibilites

Divide household chores and other tasks evenly. This way, neither of you feels overwhelmed, and you both get to enjoy more free time. If you need to clean out the garage or paint the fence, try making it a bit more fun by turning on some music, setting a timer, and seeing who can paint more posts or go through more boxes.

Get outside

Take advantage of the warm weather by engaging in outdoor activities. If you don’t have time to go camping, go for walks, short hikes, bike rides, picnics, or try a new outdoor sport. It’s a great way to bond and stay active.

Break out of your routine in small ways

No time for a full-fledged vacation or even a mini getaway? Try doing something fun and unconventional together in your spare time.

How about a pillow fight? Dessert before dinner, or a surprise chocolate cake for breakfast? Try your hand at golf, darts, or an art class (especially if neither of you is any good at it). If you always have spaghetti on Wednesdays, learn to make sushi together instead. Or crank up the music and try a silly TikTok dance move (no criticism allowed, and if you are competitive, the worst dancer wins!)

Communicate openly

Regularly check in with each other. It doesn’t need to be complicated; just ask your partner: “Hey, how are you feeling?” — and listen. Share how you are doing, too. Openly communicating helps us manage stress and stay connected in our relationships.

Balancing work and life during the summer takes a bit of extra effort, but it’s totally worth it.
Plan, communicate, and make the most of the sunny summer season together.

— Natalie Bergman, DCP, RPsych