If there is one condition that is guaranteed to cause a problem in terms of productivity at work, whether you run your own business or work for someone else, it’s being too hot. When you are too hot, the body has to work harder to try to cool itself down, and this means there is less energy left over for work—both physically and mentally. This is why you will often find you get much less done when it’s hot outside, plus the fact that most people would rather be out in the warm weather than indoors working.
So, if you find that you start to become unproductive when it gets hotter, here are some useful tips on how to cool down and get more done.
Wear Suitable Clothing
Although you probably won’t be able to wear shorts and sandals (unless you are working from home and there is no dress code, of course) to the office, you will need to find some thinner clothes that are more suited to the hot temperatures than you might normally wear.
It’s always a good idea to wear layers, as you will be able to remove or add them as you need to in order to reach the correct temperature. Don’t forget, if you have air conditioning in the office the clothes you wear for your commute might be too cold, so a jacket or cardigan can be useful.
Keep Hydrated
Apart from generally feeling uncomfortable due to clothing that is too thick or warm for the weather, dehydration is the biggest issue when it comes to productivity. The more you can ensure you are drinking throughout the day, the more your brain will be able to work as it should—being less confused and giving you the answers you need.
Water is the ideal way to keep hydrated, and you should be sipping it throughout the day, keeping a bottle on your desk so you can continually drink. For a change, though, you could also try iced coffee. You can make this yourself in your office, and it is a refreshing alternative to water when drunk in moderation.
Take Breaks
In the winter, you might find you can work for longer without a break, possibly even going through until lunchtime without stopping (this isn’t recommended; breaks are important no matter what time of year it is, of course). In the summer when the temperature climbs, you might not be able to work for quite so long or quite so hard; it will be mentally and physically draining.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to take more frequent breaks. Just getting up from your desk and taking a walk around the office, or going to get some fresh air every 20 minutes or so can be enough to maintain your productivity for longer overall.
It’s also a good idea to work on the most pressing tasks first. Not only is it usually cooler in the mornings, but you are also at your most productive. This is a good tip to bear in mind even when it’s not hot; work on the most important tasks first and your day will be much easier.
