Surviving a hard day's work can be challenging at the best of times, but everything is tougher in a heatwave. Here are some practical tips on how to stay cool, calm and collected at your workplace this week as temperatures soar.
Dress right
Most women can get away with a summer dress at work. Keep it loose and made from cotton or natural fibres that let air close to your skin. It will help wick away sweat and keep you cool if there’s no A/C or you have to be on your feet all day.
Buy a moisturiser or foundation with sunscreen
Whether you go bare faced or made up as usual, it’s wise to switch over to a moisturiser or foundation with SPF during summer. It saves time and your skin from unexpected sunburn. Most dermatologists agree it’s the best age prevention tool around.
Tone down your exercise
If you exercise in the morning or during your lunch break, keep it low impact. High intensity training gives you an after burn that’s great for your thighs, bad for a hot office.
Travel light and carry water
Most of us arrive in a bad mood from a hot commute. Lighten your load by removing unnecessary items from your handbag and replace them with a bottle of water. If you drive to work, invest in some sunshades for your wheels.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is the number one way to avoid heat exhaustion. Set an hourly reminder on your phone or have a drink on the way back from the loo. Guzzle down at least 8 large glasses on a very hot day.
Buy a desk fan
If your office doesn’t have A/C, a mini desk fan is the best way to stay cool throughout a hard day’s work. Amazon sells a range of colourful USB fans that plug into your PC. The pitch can be tilted right at your face when things really heat up.
Eliminate sources of heat
You might remember to close the windows and pull down the blinds, but we often forget that electrical devices are a major source of ambient heat. Turn off unnecessary lights, PCs, tablets, printers, etc.
Stay indoors
If your office is cool, make the most of it! Limit your errands or spend your lunch break in air-conditioned shopping centres and cafes. Resist sun bathing in local parks – you’ll regret it back at your desk with a whole afternoon ahead of you.
Eat light
Avoid hot, spicy and protein-rich meals that make your body’s digestive system work hard. Eat vegetables, salads and fruit that are packed with water. Pop a banana in the freezer for a refreshing afternoon snack. Or indulge in an ice cream.
Spritz your face
Evian started the trend way back in the 60s. Loads of beauty brands and pharmacies stock their own version for a few quid – the fastest and simplest way to cool down without ruining your makeup. Spritz your neck and wrists too.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Avoid drinking more tea and coffee to boost your flagging efforts as they’re diuretics. If you hit the pub after work, go easy and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration – your hangover’s best friend.
Take more breaks
Take more breaks to perk up your mind and body. Do a quick stretch and if you look at a PC all day, stare into the distance for a minute to rest your eyes. Wear waterproof mascara and replenish fluids with refreshing drops.
Wash your feet
It may sound crazy, but washing your feet is one of the fastest ways to cool down between meetings or trips outside. Wearing strappy sandals obviously makes this method easier! If it’s a faff, just spritz them.
Prepare your first aid kit
Dehydration is bound to give you a headache, nausea and blurred vision. Keep a first aid kit in your handbag to soldier on through minor ailments. But if the symptoms are severe and persistent, seek proper medical attention.
If you work with children, animals and the elderly – remember the heat affects them much more than us. Keep an extra watch on how they’re faring.
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