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Summer Job Cover Letter Examples

What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Summer Position

• What to Include in a Cover Letter

Summer Job Cover Letter Template

Summer job cover letter sample.

• More Cover Letter Templates

Summer Job Resume Examples

In many ways, applying for a summer job is the same as applying for any position—candidates need to show that they have the required skills that seasonal employers seek. Your cover letter is often the best place to demonstrate your talents to a hiring manager.

Summer jobs are a bit different from regular jobs since they often have:

• Set end dates
• Take place over a busy, social season
• Don't offer vacations or, in some cases, holidays

Hiring managers will have a few specific qualifications and character traits in mind as they review job applications and narrow down their field of applicants to those people they want to interview.

To help you land the interview, your cover letter will need to demonstrate the precise qualifications the hiring manager is seeking.

What to Include in a Summer Job Cover Letter

First, make sure you're familiar with the basics of writing a cover letter. If you’ve never sent one before and have no idea where to start, take a look at this  cover letter guide , which provides step-by-step instructions on how to write one, formatting advice, and plenty of samples and examples to browse through. 

Target Your Cover Letter

Next, you'll want to target your cover letter for a summer job. Managers look for the ability to learn quickly. Since summer jobs only last for a few months, companies do not want to invest a lot of time (and money) in training.

Hiring managers are looking for candidates who are quick to pick up tasks, have previous experience in relevant fields, and know how to ask smart questions when they're unsure. 

Emphasize Your Experience

As much as possible in your cover letter, emphasize your prior, relevant experience. Be direct. If you're applying for a job as a waitress, mention any other food service work, for instance, or experience working in any hospitality field. 

Show You're Responsible

Another quality that interviewers seek in candidates is responsibility. When the weather's nice outside, it can be tempting to play hooky. Summer workers are often scheduled to work on holiday weekends, which means working while others are on vacation.

Companies want to hire people they can count on to show up on time for scheduled shifts. Think about ways you can show that you are a dedicated, responsible employee in your cover letter. 

Download the summer job cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Summer Job Cover Letter Sample (Text Version)

Henry Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 henry.applicant@email.com

September 1, 2018

Cathy Lee Director, Human Resources Acme Diner 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

I am writing to apply for one of your summer waitstaff openings, which I found listed on your website. I have worked as both a server and a host in restaurants for the past four summers. During the summers of 2016 and 2017, I worked at The Pizza Den, a casual restaurant, and last summer I worked at Perseus, a fine dining establishment. As a result, I am confident I have the experience and skill to serve your customers in the manner they expect.

I am able to work evenings and weekends during the summer months. I am currently a student at Western State University; however, I'm not taking any classes this summer, so I have plenty of time to fill shifts as needed.

Please feel free to contact me by email (henry.applicant@email.com) or cell phone (555-555-5555) if you have any questions.

Henry Applicant

The following summer job cover letter examples and cover letter templates can be used for summer job applications. Be sure to personalize your letters to reflect your experience and interests.

• Summer Cashier Cover Letter
• Camp Counselor Cover Letter Example
• Golf Caddy Cover Letter Example
• Hotel Front Desk / Bellhop Cover Letter Example
• Lifeguard Cover Letter Example
• Sample Cover Letter - Summer Assistant Job
• Summer Nanny Cover Letter
• Summer Internship Cover Letter Example
• Summer Sales Associate Cover Letter
• Summer Tutor Cover Letter Example
• Summer Waiter Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Templates

Use these templates to help keep your letter organized, whether you will send a hard, paper copy or email. 

• Cover Letter Format : Need a refresher on what to include in your cover letter—and what to leave out? This paragraph-by-paragraph guide will help you organize your thoughts.
• Cover Letter Template : This generic template works for any job or career stage, and keeps you from going too long (or too short).
• Email Cover Letter Template : Odds are, you’ll send your cover letter via email. This template ensures that your information grabs the hiring manager’s attention right from the start.
• Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates : These free cover letter templates for Microsoft Word will save you a step in your writing process and produce a perfectly formatted end-product.

Also review  summer job resume examples , so that you can apply with a winning pair of job application materials. These samples will help you highlight your relevant experience, even if you are just starting out. Consider all of your related experience, including schoolwork, volunteering, school activities, and prior part-time jobs, but focus on the most relevant skills and accomplishments.

As a bonus, looking at these resume examples will help remind you of what belongs in a resume and what belongs in a cover letter — often a challenge, even for job seekers who’ve been in the working world for a long time.

Sample Cover Letter for a Summer Camp Job or RA Position

Highlighting Your Areas of Expertise

• Cover Letters
• Skills & Keywords
• Salary & Benefits
• Letters & Emails
• Job Listings
• Job Interviews
• Career Advice
• Work-From-Home Jobs
• Internships

Camp jobs can be a great way for college students to earn some extra cash during summer vacation, especially if you're good with children and love being outdoors. During the school year, a position as a Resident Assistant may help cover your tuition costs and give you a steady paycheck while completing your degree. Whether you're  applying for a summer job at a camp or for an RA job at a college, you can grab your reader's attention with your  cover letter  by highlighting the relevant qualifications and areas of expertise you've gained during your high school and college years. Providing detailed descriptions of your experience in working with children and teens will help you to stand out from your competition and ensure that your resume is given a serious review.

What to Include in Your Letter

Your cover lettershould be perfectly written, with no misspellings or grammatical errors. Include these elements in your letter:

• Personal camping or Counselor-in-Training (CIT) experience
• Academic background
• Experience with children, both in your studies and volunteer work
• Tutoring or mentoring experience
• Babysitting or nanny experience
• Coaching work (field sports like soccer, court sports like tennis or basketball, swimming, hiking, rock wall climbing, water sports like kayaking or canoeing)
• Relevant skills (such as First Aid or CPR certification, knowledge of arts and crafts, food handling and safety, lifeguard experience, communications, leadership, team building, storytelling, music or singing capability, games development, activities coordination)

Sample Email Cover Letter for a Summer Camp or RA Job

This is an example of a cover letter for a summer camp job or RA position. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample Email Cover Letter for a Summer Camp or RA Job (Text Version)

Katrina Kelsey 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 kkelsey@sagamore.edu 

September 1, 2018

Janis Pearson Director, Human Resources Sagamore College  123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Pearson,

I am interested in the Assistant Youth Coordinator position as listed on the Sagamore College Career Link. I am a sophomore at Sagamore College studying English and Psychology with a Spanish minor. I have extensive experience working with children in both academic and recreational environments, so I would be eager to contribute my skills to the Boston Children’s Summer Camp Learning Enrichment Program.

Most recently, I was involved with the Sagamore College After School program where I tutored urban youth in the Language Arts and Sciences. Working with underserved children through this program was an enriching experience, and I would love to continue with that type of work this summer with Boston Children’s Summer Camp Learning Enrichment Program. I also have experience as a nanny for two elementary school-aged children. My primary responsibilities in this role included tutoring and homework help, as well as developing educational games.

During the summer, I planned daily outings and scheduled activities, entertaining the kids throughout the day. I did similar work as a summer volunteer at Sagamore Child Care Center, where I played with children, implemented indoor activities, and chaperoned field trips. Consequently, I developed a strong sense of patience and a keen awareness of how to interact engagingly with children, two skills that are relevant to your position. 

The Assistant Youth Coordinator position sounds like a wonderful opportunity, and I am eager to be involved! I absolutely love working with children, and have a passion for tutoring, too, so it’s certainly a job in which I would excel. I believe the children would benefit from my background and enthusiasm. Thank you so much for your consideration; please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Katrina Kelsey

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Student Summer Job Cover Letter Sample

Get hired faster and find ideas for your own cover letter with our free, easily editable Student Summer Job cover letter sample. Make a copy of this cover letter example for free or alter it with ease in our proven and tested cover letter creator.

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Write an eye-catching resume as a university student

Student Summer Job Cover Letter Sample (Full Text Version)

I am writing in response to your advertisement for a summer internship program focused on innovation, which piqued my interest. If you are in search of an undergraduate student with a background in international business management and a strong skill set, I believe that my enclosed resume will be of interest to you.

Currently, I am pursuing a degree in international business management and will be focusing on marketing for my upcoming thesis. With four years of experience in banking and administration, specifically with Nordax Bank, I have honed my skills in customer service and credit evaluation. My current role as an underwriting support agent has allowed me to become a valuable member of the credit evaluation team, assessing the creditworthiness of both individual and corporate clients. Some of my key competencies include credit evaluation, customer relationship management, and payment protection insurance.

During my studies in Croatia, I excelled in courses related to the Croatian economy and business negotiations. I have received strong reviews for my project work, including a tourism development strategy for Croatia and the implementation of negotiation strategies to drive sales for a leading household appliances company. I am confident that I can bring this same level of dedication and success to your team.

I am eager to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with your organization's goals for innovation and change. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to schedule a meeting. Despite currently studying in Sweden, I am more than willing to relocate to Helsinki, as my family resides nearby.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team and I look forward to the possibility of working together.

John Snow (07.12.1991 USA)

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

Edit this sample using our resume builder.

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Summer Job Application Letter

Last Updated On September 26, 2018 By Letter Writing Leave a Comment

Are you a Student who Want to earn some extra bucks while improving your skills and knowledge? Are you Looking for the summer job? There are many job openings during the summer for students. You might Want some guidance for writing a Summer Job Application Letter, Right? Whether you are a high school student or just graduated from high school writing a job application letter can be difficult and confusing at times.

A job Application/cover letter should contain all your details, your experience, your achievements, your skills, etc. This is a formal letter, so be precise and straightforward. You should try to convince the hiring person why you are the ideal candidate for the job. An application letter is the first impression on the hiring manager. So make sure that you write without any grammatical error or spelling mistakes. The letter should be mature so that the hiring person can see that you are responsible and confident to take up the job.

If you have any previous job experiment, mention it. Be honest in your application. Don’t be dishearten or lose hope if you are not hired, keep trying. For some more details about how to write a summer job application letter below are some tips, templates, sample and email format.

Summer Job Application Letter Tips:

• Use a formal tone while writing an application letter
• Include for what job you are applying
• Mention about your past work experience if any
• Be honest and positive while writing the letter
• Include all the necessary details and contact information while closing the application.
• Proofread before sending the application.

Summer Job Application Letter Template:

___________

_____________

_______________

Subject: Summer job application letter

Dear ____________,

I, _______________(your name) am student of ___________________( your school name) currently persuing_____________(your course name). I saw your job listing on _____________(write how did you come to know about job opening). I am very much interested in working with ______________________(name of company).

As an enthusiastic and eager student and ______________(write your skill), I think I am the most suitable person for the job opening. i have_____________________( write about the past experience in the same field, if any). These will help me to work with you more efficiently. beside that, I am also ________________( mention about your future studying plan, if any). ________________________________( write about your academic achievements, your percentage, your GPA score, etc).

I really look forward to working with your firm, waiting for a positive reply.

Best Regards,

________________

Summer Job Application Letter Sample:

Molly Jane,

katie Avenue,

Harvey Specter,

Pearson Specter Litt,

Respected sir,

I Molly Jane, am a student at Greenwich high school, Argentina. I am interested in becoming a skilled graphic designer. And I am doing my majors in Graphic Designing. Working with your graphics company will be a great opportunity for me to learn and improve my skills by gaining the practical knowledge. I saw your Job Opening on Intershala.com, and I think I will be an ideal candidate for the job position that was listed.

I am a curious student who always loves gaining information, as I am very much interested in graphic designing, I was also an assistant designer of my high school lookbook. The copy of it is attached below. Other than that I am good at communications and have won many awards for debates, etc. I am a bright student with 8.5 GPA score. 

I am so excited and thrilled at the opportunity of working with Pearson Specter Litt. I am delighted and would like to schedule an interview with the team soon. My contact number is 874654545175, and you can email me at [email protected].

Molly Jane. 

Summer Job Application Letter Email

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Application letter for summer job

Dear Mr. Kiran

I was so thrilled when I saw an opening for the job at the House of Areem. I saw it in Jobwebsites.in and I knew that  I had to apply for it. When it comes to fashion, no one can beat House of Areem. I am Meera Sehgal, and I have done my diploma in fashion and jewelry designing from FAD academics. 

I am an enthusiastic Fashion designer. And it was always my dream to work with your firm. I Have done amazon fashion show under ms. Preeti Shenoy and during my course I have worked with many stylist and designer to know how the industry works and I am ready for it. fashionforyou.in is Instagram handle; you can check out my designs there.

When it comes to Fashion designing, I can give my heart and soul to it. I would like to schedule an interview soonest with you. You can Contact me at 97518512684 or email me at [email protected]. My future details are in the resume attached to the email.

Yours Sincerely,

Meera Sehgal.

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All Formats

9+ Summer Job Cover Letters – Word, PDF

Our website provides you with the best cover letter templates you need to create your own cover letters with ease. Since you’re not the only person applying for a summer job, you would want to have your cover letter as creative and attractive to the recruiters in getting a shot at being called for an interview. You may also see more different types of job cover   letters in Word from our official website template.net.

Part-Time Summer Job

Summer Job Cover Letter

Email Cover Letter for Summer Job

Job Cover Letter

Summer Teaching

Writing Your Own Cover Letter

• Have an idea on the job position you want – You should have a clear idea on what job position you would like to apply for as this is the basis of what your content will contain.
• Include any work experiences you’ve had before – If this is your first time applying for a job and you’ve had a previous job experience, then it would be advisable to include those as well to have better chances of being employed as recruiters prefer to take in applicant with previous job experiences. You can also discover a greater variety of cover letters in Pages on our official website, template.net.

Tips for Students Applying for Summer Jobs

Summer camp.

Volunteer Internship Job

General Summer Job

Engineering Summer Internship

Engineering Summer Job

Different Types of Summer Job Cover Letters

• Email cover letter for summer job – This type of template is like any other application cover letter you can find but suited to be sent as an email rather than printing them out.
• Summer Teaching Template – These types of cover letter templates are used to apply for summer teaching jobs wherein the cover letter will contain more spaces where you can indicate your teaching experiences, education you have received, to whom the letter is addressed to, and contact details about yourself.

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What Is a Letter of Explanation for a Mortgage?

Why do you need a letter of explanation, how to write a letter of explanation.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Bottom Line

• Buying a Home

How to Write a Letter of Explanation for a Mortgage

A letter of explanation may help you get approved for a mortgage

Wichayada Suwanachun / Getty Images

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will review information such as your credit history, employment, income, assets, investments, and outstanding debts. But your financial statements, credit report, and tax returns don’t always tell the full story about your financial situation.

A letter of explanation helps clarify any information that might give a lender pause. Learn more about when you might need a letter of explanation for a mortgage application and how to write the letter. 

Key Takeaways

• Some mortgage lenders may request a letter of explanation if there is confusion about any details in your financial documents.
• If you’re applying for a government-backed mortgage like an FHA or VA loan, a letter of explanation may be required. 
• Even if your lender doesn’t require a letter of explanation, including one may help clarify details in your mortgage application that could otherwise lead to denial. 
• You may need to include supporting documentation to give your letter of explanation more credibility.

A letter of explanation, sometimes referred to as an LOX or LOE by mortgage underwriters, is similar to a cover letter for a job application. Just as a cover letter expands on the details in your resume, a mortgage letter of explanation further explains your financial documents. For example, you might need to explain that last year’s income wasn’t typical because you took a sabbatical, or that you missed a payment due to a healthcare emergency.  

“A letter of explanation is not a standard or defaulted requirement for a mortgage application,” said Shmuel Shayowitz, president and chief lending officer at Approved Funding, a licensed mortgage bank and direct lender. However, your mortgage lender may request one if your financial information needs clarification. If you’re applying for a government-backed loan, the agency that insures the loan may also require a letter of explanation in certain situations. 

Even if it’s not required, it can’t hurt to include a letter of explanation with your mortgage application. “The default for some processors and underwriters is to assume the worst or to err on the side of caution when something is unclear or complicated,” Shayowitz said. “Being proactive with explanation letters can go a long way in helping a loan processor and mortgage underwriter understand something that might be confusing.”

In particular, the following situations merit the inclusion of a letter of explanation. 

Erratic Income or Gaps in Employment

Most lenders look for a consistent and reliable income that ensures you can keep up with your mortgage payments. If you were unemployed or did not receive income for more than a month over the last two years, you should include a letter of explanation that details the reason you weren’t working, such as:

• Childbirth or caring for another family member
• Pursuing further education
• Being laid off
• Being self-employed or working in a seasonal industry
• Going out of business or downsizing

If you were able to make regular payments on your debts and support yourself with savings during that time, be sure to mention that in the letter.

Issues on Your Credit Report

If your credit report shows red flags, like missed payments or defaults, bankruptcies , or foreclosures , it’s essential to include a letter of explanation noting what happened and why it’s not likely to reoccur. You’ll also want to include the date of the event, the name of your creditor, and the account number associated with the delinquent debt.

No Rental or Mortgage Payment History

If you have been living with a friend or family member rather than making monthly housing payments for your own place, the homeowner you live with will need to write a letter of explanation. The homeowner should explain that they haven’t charged you rent and include the dates you lived on their property before signing the letter. 

Profits or Losses From Farming

If you filed Schedule F with your tax return because you earned or lost income from a farm property, you’re required to include a letter of explanation. Include the address of the farm and clearly state that it is not located on the property you’re buying with the mortgage. 

Large Deposits or Withdrawals

If you received a large deposit to your bank account, the lender might think you accepted a gift or a loan from a family member and wonder if your income is sufficient without additional help. A large withdrawal may also indicate to the lender that you’re having financial troubles. There are other reasons for large bank transactions, however. For example, you may have received a bonus from your employer, liquidated investments at an opportune time, or withdrawn funds for a home renovation. Include a letter of explanation that shows why the atypical transaction occurred. 

Possible Occupancy Questions

Lenders underwrite vacation homes and investment properties differently from primary residences. It’s illegal to misrepresent your occupancy intentions. If you’re applying for a primary residence mortgage for a property located far from your employer, or if you’re applying for a second home mortgage for a property in close proximity to your primary residence, the lender may think you intend to use it as a rental property. 

If you think the lender may have questions about how you intend to use the property, include a letter of explanation.  

Address Discrepancies

If any of your documents show a different address, you should include a letter of explanation with a reason for the discrepancy to assure the lender you’re not a victim of identity theft.  

“Your explanation letter should be specific, precise, and well-communicated,” said Shayowitz. Avoid general statements about your ability to manage your finances and speak to a specific issue. 

For example, if you missed a payment, explain why it happened, point to your otherwise positive payment history, and state when you brought your account back up to date. A statement like “I make every effort to stay on top of my payments” is too vague because it won’t provide the lender with the details they need to make an approval decision. 

You may need to attach supporting documentation as well. For example, if you’re buying a home far away from work, you might want to include a letter from your employer that shows your remote work arrangement. If you took out a large withdrawal to pay for landscaping in order to prep your home for sale, include a receipt from the landscaping company. If you missed a payment due to being hospitalized, include medical records. 

You’ll also want to include the following elements:

• Your name, address, and phone number
• The lender’s name, address, and phone number
• The mortgage application number
• Your explanation, which should refer to the attached documents that support it
• Your signature and the date

Example of a Letter of Explanation

Today’s Date

Example Lender Lender Address

Loan Application Number

RE: Anna Smith’s Mortgage Application

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to explain my gap in employment that occurred between 02/15/2023 and 04/10/2023. 

My mother was admitted to the hospital for surgery on 02/09/2023 after a fall. I applied for Family and Medical Leave on 02/10/2023 in order to care for my mother during her recovery. My employer approved FMLA-protected leave on 02/14/2023. I have attached the approval letter from my employer, which grants up to 12 weeks of leave. 

During my period of unpaid leave, I relied on sufficient reserves in my savings account as well as my husband’s income to cover my expenses. I didn’t miss any payments on my credit cards or auto loan. I returned to work on 04/11/2023. In the following months, I made several deposits into my Capital One savings account to replenish my reserves. 

Anna Smith’s Address Anna Smith’s Phone Number

How Do You Start a Letter of Explanation?

At the top of the letter, include the date, the name of the lender, the lender’s address, and your loan application number. In the next line, write “Re: (Your Name)’s Mortgage Application.” Address the letter to “To Whom It May Concern,” and note which issue you are addressing in the first sentence. 

What If Your Mortgage Letter of Explanation Is Rejected?

If your letter of explanation is rejected, you have a few options. If the information you provided wasn’t sufficient, you can write a more detailed letter and include supporting documentation. You can also try applying for a mortgage from a different lender. If you’re struggling to get approved , you may need to resolve whatever problem you’re explaining in the letter before trying again. 

How Long Should a Letter of Explanation Be?

A letter of explanation only needs to be long enough to convey the details of the issue you’re explaining. For example, if you missed a payment, you should include the date of the missed payment, the reason you missed it, and how you’ve remedied or plan to remedy the issue. A few sentences may suffice, or your letter may run longer if it’s a complex situation and you need to reference supporting documents. 

Is a Letter of Explanation Necessary?

A letter of explanation is not always necessary. If there are no red flags in your financial history, you may be approved without a letter of explanation. But if there are issues that might raise concerns, you’ll want to include a letter of explanation. You’ll also need to write a letter of explanation if the lender requests one, or if it’s required by the government agency backing the mortgage. For example, for all FHA-approved mortgages , the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires a letter of explanation from borrowers who have collection accounts or judgments.

A letter of explanation can help your mortgage application process, especially if you have had financial issues you want to clarify. A good letter will address the specific issues and explain why they are not likely to reoccur. Consider consulting a real estate professional for more guidance in writing a letter of explanation that fits your needs.

Chase. " What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a Mortgage? " 

Citizens Bank. " How to Write a Letter of Explanation ." 

National Association of Mortgage Underwriters. " Best Practices: Letters of Explanation ." 

Ally Bank. " How to Write a Letter of Explanation ." 

Newcastle Loans. " Principal Residence, Second Home, or Investment Property? " 

Griffin Funding. " Letter of Explanation ." 

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How to Make the Most of Summer

You don’t need a vacation to embrace a sunnier state of mind.

By Jancee Dunn

Summer may be a few weeks away, but Memorial Day weekend is often when people start asking if you have vacation plans. And for many reasons, including work demands or a tight budget, the answer might be “nope.”

But you can still find ways to enjoy the summer even if you can’t get away, whether it’s getting more ice cream into your life, bringing flowers from your backyard to work, or taking a nightly firefly walk.

The trick is to look for small opportunities to appreciate the season, said Peter Economou, an assistant professor of applied psychology at Rutgers University. “You do have to create them,” he added. “They won’t just fall into your lap.”

So I asked him and other experts for advice on how to savor the summer.

Create a summer ritual at work.

If you work indoors, see if you can move any tasks outside, such as taking a call or a meeting in the park, said Cal Newport, an associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University and the author of “Slow Productivity.”

Working outside, he said, varies your day, connects you to nature and can unlock more interesting thoughts .

If you can’t work outside, eat lunch outdoors, Dr. Economou added. On warm days, he said, sometimes he’ll take a break to watch pups at a nearby dog park.

You can also establish some low-key summer rituals at work, like a Friday night drink with co-workers, suggested Kandi Wiens, a workplace stress researcher at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of “Burnout Immunity.” Emphasize that it’s optional so no one feels pressured, Dr. Wiens said.

Or you could organize a potluck lunch where each person brings a favorite summer dish every week, Dr. Wiens added. (This corn and tomato salad recipe is my go-to.)

Seize the daylight.

If your work hours are flexible, ask your supervisor if you can come in an hour ahead, so you can leave earlier and enjoy the extra daylight hours, Dr. Economou suggested.

Since the sun sets later this time of year, your time after work “can feel like a whole extra day,” Dr. Newport said.

So during the summer, try to be “extra committed” to leaving work on time, he said. And remember to take your vacation time, even if you’re not going anywhere. Nearly half of U.S. workers don’t take their paid time off, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey .

Create a ‘fun file’ for weekends.

Try to approach your summer weekends with a vacation mind-set, said Mike Rucker, a behavioral scientist and the author of “The Fun Habit.” A 2021 study found that people who viewed their weekends as vacations reported greater happiness levels the following Monday.

Dr. Rucker suggested creating a “fun file” — a list of simple, achievable things you want to do this summer. Focus on day trips that you can do for a few hours.

And most communities, large and small, offer free or low-cost events during the summer — like outdoor concerts and festivals, Dr. Rucker added, so check your community newspaper, library or local government website.

Build in weekday summer pleasures.

Send a group text to your neighbors for a spontaneous meet-up at an ice cream truck, or host a weeknight dinner in your backyard or local park. “These activities foster a sense of togetherness and make the summer feel special,” Dr. Rucker said.

Or think of summer activities that you used to love as a kid, like riding a bike or playing basketball, added Dr. Wiens, and see if you can take them up again.

One summer treat that Dr. Newport gives himself is to leave work early on a particularly hot day to see a matinee. “There’s something about being in a movie when you know most people are still at work that magnifies the relaxation,” he said.

I’m going to take the experts’ advice and invite some co-workers to eat lunch on a bench outside. Maybe I’ll make it more festive and bring a batch of Katharine Hepburn’s brownies . Inside, it’s a sad desk lunch; outside, it’s a picnic.

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Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow Well on Instagram , or write to us at [email protected] . And check out last week’s newsletter about how to embrace solitude .

Jancee Dunn , who writes the weekly Well newsletter for The Times, has covered health and science for more than 20 years. More about Jancee Dunn