Sunshine and warmer temperatures aren’t the only thing summer brings. For many of us, summer means an increase in downtime, both personally and professionally. Some, but certainly not all, businesses experience a summer lull, and we often take advantage of the nice weather to sneak in a few weeks of vacation time.

While taking the time to unwind, relax and clear our minds is of paramount importance, the summer can also be a great time to reflect and iron out new business strategies. Let’s look at a few ways we can maximize our summer downtime to set us up for year-round success.

1. Evaluate
It’s time to make a list. Jot down your recent challenges and accomplishments, and dig in. Analyze each piece for successes and failures, including possible room for improvement. Consider new opportunities you’ve attracted, and whether they align with your goals and direction. Taking stock of the lessons you’ve learned so far this year can also be eye opening when put down on paper. All these exercises will allow you to identify gaps and better understand where to focus your – and your team’s – attention.

2. Build Your Brain
Use your spare time to expand your knowledge base. Enroll in a course, either local or online, and learn something new to grow your skill set. Or you can take advantage of your slowed pace to hit the books. Books are brain food: they broaden your professional and interpersonal skills and increase your knowledge. They boost your success. They can help you make more money. Whether it’s a business book, a biography or a fictional series, you always gain something from reading so dust off your library card.

3. Network, Network, Network
If you’ve got some downtime, chances are those around you do as well. Keep busy with coffee and lunch meetings, and don’t hesitate to invite your contacts out for a round of golf or to take in a baseball game. Complete an inventory of your contacts and identify those you haven’t had a chance to spend much time with lately, or who you think you’d like to get to know better. Find some new people to connect with. It’s a great use of time you won’t regret in the long run.

4. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
It doesn’t need to be a professional activity, but summer is a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it be developing a new workflow or set of habits, or trying out a new activity, force yourself into a situation that is outside your norm. Introducing a bit of anxiety – and learning how to work through it – brings a plethora of benefits, including increased productivity and adaptability, and a willingness to embrace risk.