Summer Time Management for Mental Health Private Practice Owners and Clinical Leaders
Summer is nearly here! Sunshine, longer days, and less client facing time are in our immediate futures. With that in mind, it’s important to stay on top of your to-do list during this season of leisure. And yes, that to-do list does need to include some leisure too. If you own a private practice, or you’re in a leadership role, you’ll need to employ some time management skills to ensure your practice and team keeps thriving through the Summer Lull.
What is Time Management?
You may see the term “time management” thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? Time management is the process of consciously and thoughtfully planning and controlling the amount of time spent on tasks in order to maximize productivity and effectiveness. Skillful time management will help you not only reach deadlines, but set you up to work less to achieve more.
Why is the Summer an Important Time to Implement Time Management?
With many clients taking vacations or general time off, summer often brings a lull in client-facing time. This decrease in direct client work makes summer an excellent time to focus on other tasks that may not usually be a priority.
Challenges of a Less Structured Schedule
A less structured schedule can make it challenging to stay on top of tasks. Without the usual routine, it’s easy to let essential administrative and organizational tasks slide. However, the summer lull can be a perfect time to catch up and prepare for the upcoming busy season. Time management will help you develop a new routine that will help you maximize your newfound “free time.”
Catch Up
With fewer client sessions, you can prioritize administrative and organizational tasks. Update client records, review practice policies, organize your office, or any other tasks you have been putting off. If there are any projects you have been too busy to start, now may be the time!
Get Ahead
We are almost into Q3! Quarterly taxes are due on June 15th, making the beginning of summer an important time to get your finances in order. Use this period to organize your financial records and prepare for your tax submission. Then use the lull to stay on top of your finances as the year goes on.
Balance Work and Play
It's essential to balance work and play during the summer. While it's a great time to focus on professional development and admin, it’s equally important to take time off to relax and rejuvenate. This balance will help prevent burnout and keep you energized for the rest of the year. Plus, everyone deserves some nourishing rest.
Time Management Tips
These tips are good starting points for setting yourself up to maximize your summer planning.
Time Blocking
Time blocking is a powerful technique where you allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks. This helps ensure that each task gets the attention it needs without overwhelming your schedule. It also helps give your work week structure, even if there are very few pressing tasks at hand.
Tips for Effective Time Blocking:
Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most critical tasks and block out time for them first.
Set Realistic Timeframes: Allow enough time to complete each task without rushing.
Include Breaks: Schedule regular breaks to rest and recharge.
Set Clear Goals
Setting clear, achievable, SMART goals helps you stay focused and motivated. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and set deadlines for each.
Automate Routine Tasks
Use technology to automate routine tasks such as appointment reminders, billing, and follow-ups. Automation saves time and reduces the risk of human error. It can be very easy to let routine tasks slip when we are changing routines, so this will help minimize any missed communications!
Delegate and Outsource
If you’re in a position to outsource, hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) can significantly help you stay organized. A VA can handle administrative tasks, manage your schedule, assist with your email inbox, set up those tasks automations, or take a time consuming task like social media off your to-do list. I personally use Office Mercenary to help with my social media and marketing, as well as some other tasks when my plate gets too full!
Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
A planner or digital calendar can help you keep track of appointments, deadlines, and important dates. Regularly updating and reviewing your calendar ensures you don’t miss anything important. Put your time blocking outline into your planner for extra organization! I strongly suggest using a digital calendar if you want to outsource any work. It’s much easier to share than a paper calendar.
Step Up Your Professional Development
Use the extra time in summer to invest in professional development. Attend workshops, webinars, or online courses to enhance your skills and knowledge. Find a training that fits the skills that you are looking to develop and dive in! For example, if you are looking to transition from a clinical supervisor to a clinical leader and elevate your practice, I am facilitating "Advanced Approaches in Clinical Supervision: Cultivating the Leader Within for Effective Guidance and Support" on June 28th.
Leisure at Your Leisure
Make sure to schedule leisure time in your calendar. Taking regular breaks and spending time on activities you enjoy can significantly boost your productivity and well-being. Get outside in the sun. Spend time with loved ones. Read your favorite genre. Get out and get your blood pumping at "Moving Together: A Couples Workshop to Deepen Intimacy and Connection through Dance and Movement" on July 13th.
Review and Reflect
At the end of each day or week, take some time to review what you’ve accomplished and reflect on what you could improve. Don’t hold on to a routine for the sake of having one. Create the routine that works best for you. This practice helps you stay on track and continuously improve your time management skills.
Time = Managed
Use these tips as a springboard for getting your summer schedule planned and under control. As with any advice, take what works for you and leave the rest. Get ahead while you have the extra wiggle room in your schedule, and you’ll be set up for success during the upcoming busy season. Embrace the summer lull as an opportunity. And remember that rest and leisure are not only important because they make you “more productive” in the long run. Rest is essential for overall well being. Balance is essential. You are essential.
In your corner,
Francisca
Embark on a transformative journey with Francisca Mix, LPC, BC-DMT, ACS—an experienced confidence consultant in mental health and clinical leadership. With diverse expertise as a mental health private practice consultant, educator, clinical supervisor, and trauma-informed movement therapist, Francisca guides professionals through tailored group programs and impactful one-to-one online sessions.
Her mission is clear—to empower individuals in mental health and clinical leadership by building unshakable confidence, nurturing leadership skills, and rewriting healthy life narratives. Your transformation begins here.
Ready to reach new heights? Book a discovery call NOW and redefine your narrative with confidence and leadership.
