Productivity doesn’t have a season – make summer work for you!
From rising temperatures to frequent power cuts, stepping outside feels like walking into a giant oven in summer. India’s summer is no joke! The summer slump can hit hard. But guess what? You don’t have to let the scorching heat drain your productivity entirely.
Here’s how you can stay active, efficient, and mentally fresh despite the sun blazing outside.
This might sound basic, but dehydration is the major productivity killer in summer. When your body lacks water, automatically your brain slows down. Start your day with a big glass of water, keep a bottle full of water all day, and mix it up with coconut water, lemon juice, or nimbu-paani. Infused water is another great addition.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of salt and sugar to your water bottle to avoid heat exhaustion.
When do you feel more energetic in summer? In the morning or evening? In summer, it’s smart to shift your work hours. Wake up a bit early, complete high-focus tasks before 11 AM, and schedule light work for afternoons.
Pro Tip: Try the “90/20 rule” which is working for 90 minutes followed by a resting phase of 20-minute to cool down.
Whether you work from home or in an office, make sure you are getting proper ventilation or air circulation. If ACs aren’t an option, invest in a good fan or air cooler. A cool environment helps your brain to stay active.
Pro Tip: Reduce the room temperature naturally by investing in cotton curtains, light-coloured walls, and indoor plants.
Wearing heavy or synthetic clothes makes you feel uncomfortable, sweaty, and irritated in summer. Thus, opt for loose and breathable cotton or linen outfits. Comfort improves focus in summer!
Say no to oily samosas or spicy snacks that drastically slow you down. Instead, consume lots of fruits like watermelon, papaya, cucumber, or curd-based dishes. These foods not only cool your body instantly but also help you stay light and alert.
DIY idea: Blend a mango smoothie or buttermilk (chaas) as a mid-day refresher!
If the heat makes you feel sleepy, don’t try to neglect it. It will make you more sluggish. A 20-minute power nap after lunch can genuinely refresh your mind and improve memory and focus. But, don't forget to keep a timer or alarm to avoid oversleeping.
Too much screen time, when combined with summer heat, can lead to digital fatigue. Take short breaks from your smartphone and laptop, go for a walk in the evening, or just sit in a park with your kadak chai. Believe it or not, fresh air and real-world moments significantly reduce burnout.
Heat and fatigue make us forget our schedule and plans. So, write your daily tasks on sticky notes, use to-do apps, or set reminders. Finishing small tasks can boost your confidence and push away that “slump” feeling.
Summer should not make you demotivated. With some smart planning, cool tricks, and a little self-care, you can stay productive and positive even during heatwaves. Let the mercury rise, don’t melt into your couch, try to stay cool and confident!
