Summer – the nights are longer; the weather’s warmer and the mood is brighter. But if, like the majority of the population, you are stuck in your office during this wonderful time you may find yourself a little more hot and bothered and a lot less focused than normal. It can be really difficult to motivate yourself to tackle a mountain of emails when your get up and go, has got up and gone – to a beach, with a sangria in one hand and an ice-lolly in the other. So, we have put together our top tips to help you stay cool and collected in an office-based heatwave.
1. Keep Hydrated
Up your H20 to ensure you are staying hydrated, alert and focused. Drinking more as the weather heats up is not only essential for stopping dehydration and sun (or Aperol Spritz)-induced headaches but is also imperative in helping decrease fatigue, brain fog, and irritability.
Not a fan of water? Add fruit for an added flavour-boost of vitamins and minerals or a spoonful of chia seeds to help retain water and keep you hydrated for longer.
2. Treat Yo’ Self
It’s hard enough dealing with Donna from HR, your boss breathing down your neck and the long commute on a good day – but when the temperature doubles, so does the stress, strains and pit-stains. So, make sure that you are treating yourself for accomplishing your workload. Whether that is with a glass of Pimm’s after work, a new breezy summer outfit or a snazzy new pedicure – set goals, smash them and reap the rewards.
3. Cool Chic
If the phrase goes, “dress for the body you want” and the body you want is cool, breezy and moist-free then we have just the tip for you. Swap fitted heavy suits for skirts and dresses and incorporate lighter materials where feasible. Speak to your boss if you are unsure where your limitations lie when it comes to your work’s dress code. Just remember you need to be comfortable but not too casual – it will be even harder to concentrate when your outfit screams beach-ready but your boss screams 9 am board-room.
4. Plan Ahead
Having a routine planned out and on paper (or app) is the easiest way to make sure you are hitting your goals throughout the day and stopping your mind from wandering to an Out of Office mindset. Make sure to include both professional, personal and social tasks to help you prioritise and keep on track.
5. Switch it Up!
As important as it is to make sure you are sticking to your planned routines and goals – it’s also very important to keep things interesting and exciting to keep yourself motivated and to avoid falling into a rut. Where possible try and work outside, say yes to more opportunities, meet friends for coffee or drinks after work rather than heading straight home or ask to work a different shift.
6. Keep Your Cool
When temperatures are rising it’s very easy for stress levels and anxiety to follow suit – but make sure to keep your cool. Getting angry can not only ruin your mood but also your entire offices’, as well as literally making you all hot and flustered under the collar. Work and manners don’t just stop because it’s summer so make sure to remove yourself from any situation if it starts to heat up and allow yourself the ability to calm down before returning cool and level-headed.
7. Just Get Out
As much as we want it too, summer doesn’t stay around for long – so make sure to make the most of it. Allowing yourself the ability to spend as much time outside basking in the wonderful sunshine can help you to stay more motivated in more ways than one. Having plans that you can look forward too can help you work harder to finish on time, as well as helping you to work even better the next day after having a carefree and sunny evening. The boost of Vitamin D can help elevate your endorphins and unlock your creativity. Try walking to the office instead of jumping on the tube, ask to meet clients or colleagues outside for coffee and give yourself sunshine breaks to harvest the ray’s benefits.
