We look at how you can avoid getting all hot and bothered in your home office this summer
Have you rescheduled your working day for the summer? How about cooling down your pulse points?
With thermometers set to hit 32 degrees on Friday, try our straightforward tips to keep temperatures down at your desk.
Change your working hours
Freelancers are used to rejigging their working hours to make room for life admin, and the flexible approach also has its benefits during warmer months. Scheduling your most laborious tasks for cooler early mornings and later in the evenings will allow you to complete the least taxing jobs at warmer times of the day. You could even extend your lunch break to step away from your laptop altogether when temperatures reach their peak.
Stay hydrated
The NHS recommends that we drink six to eight glasses of water a day, and you can expect to drink slightly more during summer. If the extra fluids don’t keep you cool, you could even try freezing bottles in advance. To make the most of chilled drinks, you should avoid coffee as caffeine can raise your body temperature and increase your heart rate.
Invest in a fan
Not all workspaces are created equal, and if you are working from home then you are likely to be doing so without the benefit of air conditioning, such as is standard in our parent company’s serviced offices. When you know you’ll be tied to a desk during those long summer days, it might be worth parting with your cash for a desk fan. Some people swear by leaving a tray of ice-cold water in front, so the fan circulates cool air as the ice melts.
Cool your pulse points
One of the best ways to bring our body temperature down is by cooling our pulse points. Veins run close to our skin at the neck, wrists and temples, meaning that blood can be easily cooled and carried around our body. You can try holding ice packs against the key areas or running cold water over your wrists when the heat of the day gets too much.
Switch off unnecessary electronics
Our laptops and other devices give off heat while they’re switched on. And if you work in a confined space, you’ll probably notice the temperature in the room rises after using a second screen or plugging in a speaker to soundtrack your day. Remembering to switch off unused items will save on electricity and ensure your workspace stays as cool as possible.
Posted by The Secret Businessman
Image credits: undrey via iStock & rclassenlayouts