Chill Hacks for Hot Days: Work Smart, Not Sweaty!
Working from home during the summer season can feel like a double-edged sword. While you're safe from the scorching sunlight, but, blazing afternoon heat, frequent power cuts, and sluggish energy levels often lead to the dreaded afternoon burnout. If you feel a lack of productivity post-lunch, remember, you're not alone. But worry not— with a few smart strategies, you can breeze through your workday. Following are some simple, and effective summer work-from-home hacks to stay cool and focused.
Afternoons come up with a dip in energy levels, especially after a heavy lunch. You can smartly beat this by front-loading your workday; focus on high-focus tasks like meetings or reports in the morning. Reserve lighter tasks including email follow-ups or admin work during post-lunch hours. Want an extra boost after lunch? Try the Pomodoro technique — work for 25 minutes, then take a break for 5 minutes. This strategy keeps the required momentum.
Pro Tip: Schedule a 15-minute walk or stretching exercise in between 3 - 3.30 PM to reboot yourself.
A cool ambience can make a lot of difference. Keep your working desk away from direct sunlight, preferably near a window with a little breeze. Don't forget to put a light curtain to block sunlight.
Pro Tip: Keep a bowl of ice in front of the table fan to create DIY AC vibes. For curtains, choose cotton made ones rather than synthetics. Another effective option is keeping indoor plants like money plants or aloe vera around.
Dehydration is a major reason behind low energy. We often tend to have colas or drinks with lots of sugar and preservatives. This summer, ditch unhealthy drinks and stock up on nimbu pani, buttermilk (chaas), or coconut water. Prepare homemade infused water with seasonal fruits, mint, cucumber, or basil leaves for a refreshing twist.
Pro Tip: Set hourly hydration reminders. Also, don't forget to track daily hydration!
Skip heavy curries or deep-fried foods during lunch. Instead, choose light, water-rich meals such as curd rice, dal salad, veg khichdi, fruit bowls with yogurt. Remember, light meals provide sustained focus rather than heavy meals that make your afternoons sluggish.
Are you living in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city? Don't get mad if you face unavoidable and frequent power cuts. Instead of fretting, use the time for mindful breathing or meditation. You can also practice yoga steps or short stretching exercises.
If you are not attending any important meeting or keeping your video on, ditch the jeans. Opt for loose, breathable cotton clothes, and avoid dark colours that absorb a lot of heat. Staying cool can enhance your productivity too.
Remember, afternoon burnout is real, but with these above-mentioned tweaks to your routine, you can stay cool, both mentally and physically.
Productivity is not pushing yourself harder; it's about working smarter — especially when the temperature is rising!
