Summer is here — and while the temperatures rise, work often slows down just a little. Clients are on holiday, inboxes are quieter, and you might find yourself with more breathing room than usual. For test automation engineers and consultants, it’s the perfect moment to reset, reflect, and recharge — all while staying productive in a way that feels a bit more relaxed. 

Here are a few summer-savvy tips to make the most of these sunny weeks:

 1. Use the Quiet to Reboot Your Routine 

With fewer meetings and deadlines, summer is a great time to take a step back and look at your workflow. Are your test frameworks still serving you well? Is there a small habit you could shift to make your day flow better? 

Take 15 minutes with your morning coffee to review your current routines. You don’t need a complete overhaul — even small tweaks can help you work smarter, not harder. 

2. Upskill in Sips, Not Gulps 

This isn’t the season for heavy lifting, but a little microlearning can go a long way. Try one of these: 

• Watch a short tutorial series on a new testing tool (like Playwright or Cypress). 

• Read a blog post a day — yes, even this one counts. 

• Try a 30-day challenge: one small learning task each workday. 

Short, focused bursts of learning keep you sharp without draining your summer energy. 

 3. Hack Your Remote Work Setup (Summer Edition) 

If you're working remotely, now’s the time to optimize your workspace for warm weather: 

• Rearrange for shade: Move your desk away from the sun or invest in a good fan. 

• Switch it up: Try working from a shaded balcony, park bench, or even a garden table if your Wi-Fi allows. 

• Hydrate & time-block: Cold water + Pomodoro timers = focused, breezy productivity. 

A small change of scenery can bring a fresh wave of motivation. 

4. Make Space for Reflection 

Summer is nature’s version of a soft pause. Take advantage of the slower pace to reflect on: 

• What went well this year so far? 

• What projects or clients energize you most? 

• What do you want to focus on in the second half of the year? 

You don’t need a full-on retreat. A notepad and 10 quiet minutes at the end of the day can do the trick. 

 5. Don’t Forget to Actually Relax 

Yes, really. Whether it's taking an extra-long lunch, logging off a bit earlier on a Friday, or planning that overdue break — give yourself permission to enjoy the season. 

We talk a lot about work-life balance in this industry. Summer is a great time to live it. 

  6. No Vacation Planned Yet? Time to Fix That 

If your calendar’s still wide open, take this as your friendly reminder: Plan that vacation. Even a long weekend away from the screen can work wonders. Whether it’s a quiet staycation or a last-minute city trip, blocking it in now means you’ll have something to look forward to — and can enjoy it fully when the time comes. 

 7. Returning? Start on a Thursday (Trust Us) 

If you’re coming back from holiday, try this pro move: plan your return for a Thursday. You’ll have a gentle day to: 

• Catch up on emails 

• Swap stories with colleagues 

• Ease back into things without pressure 

Best part? When you finish Thursday, you’re one sleep away from Friday — and just like that, you’re cruising into the weekend. Honestly, it’s the smoothest landing possible. 

 Final Thought 

Test. Learn. Relax. In that order — or whatever order works best for you. The summer months offer a golden opportunity to combine light productivity with well-deserved downtime. Take it slow, take care of yourself, and take time to enjoy the sunshine. 

We’ll all be back in full flow soon enough. For now, work smart — and don’t forget the SPF (SPF = Sun Protection Factor)