It feels wildly inappropriate to turn up to a work meeting in a T-Shirt and knickers, but I have no other choice. It's dangerously hot in the UK [1] today and I'm doing what I can to conduct 'business as usual' via Zoom calls, but it's proving impossible. Beads of sweat [2] are dripping down my face as I frantically answer emails and tick off my to-do list while working from home, but I'm drained. Temperatures are set to hit 40 degrees Celsius in London, the air is stuffy and, to be honest, my mind and body are somewhere in the Bahamas. The only difference is, I can't switch my "out of office" on.
Instead of diving into a pool to cool off before retiring to an air-conditioned hotel room, I'm stuck in my lounge, glued to my pathetic desk fan [3] while I watch the clock. I've spent way too long salivating over that viral Drew Barrymore video [4] in the rain wishing it was me.
Is anyone really able to work in this heat? It doesn't seem like it. Heatwave woes are the main talking point on social media. One Twitter-user wrote: "Why is work still a thing in this heatwave? Not approved by me." Another hilariously added: "it's too hot to even exist... let alone WORK". So why is it that we feel so unproductive in the heat? Is it that we're just not used to these temperatures? Am I too preoccupied with eco-anxiety [5]? Or is there a scientific reason to excuse my newfound laziness?
It turns out it's not my fault, and if your concentration is waning, it's not yours either. According to the Sleep Advisor Organisation [6], when you become hot, your body will work in overdrive to keep you cool and maintain a safe internal temperature. All that hard work can leave you feeling sluggish.
Dr Elisabeth Philipps, a clinical neuroscientist from health and wellbeing brand fourfive [7] tells POPSUGAR: "As the temperature goes up, cognitive function goes down because heat affects our brain. Higher temperatures can stop nerve fibres from working properly. This means that sometimes messages cannot get to and from the brain which is why you may experience fatigue, weakness, or problems with balance or vision."
Admittedly, I feel a little less guilty. Interestingly, Dr Philipps also links the feeling to hormonal changes. ""The hypothalamus (the part of the brain that regulates our temperature) has to work very hard in the warmer weather. This part of the brain is also affected by hormonal changes, so combined with the heat this can slow brain messages from getting through which will affect our brain function, mood and cognition," she continues.
Yet I can't just shut my laptop and call it a day. I have to work. So is there a way to be more productive during a heatwave? Thankfully, yes. If you're feeling lacklustre, yet have a to-do list as long as your arm, we've enlisted experts to help your raise your energy levels.
How to Be More Productive in the Heat: Reschedule Important Tasks
If you're lucky enough to be able to work flexibly or switch the order of your daily tasks, take advantage of that. Time Management & Productivity Coach Clare Evans says: "If you can, do work that requires concentration and effort when it's cooler, in the morning and later in the afternoon. Flexible working makes it easier to avoid the heat of the day. Reschedule any important tasks or activity for a few days time when it's cooler, especially if it involves travelling. Meetings can always be done over video call."
How to Be More Productive in the Heat: Take a Wet Flannel Break
We're all guilty of skipping our breaks every now and then, but it's extra important to take some time away from your work during a heatwave. Evans explains: "If you're sitting in one place that's too warm, like an office without air-conditioning, you'll lose focus and become tired more quickly. Get up and move somewhere cooler for a few minutes before getting back to work. Use a wet flannel or towel on your face and neck to cool yourself down."
How to Be More Productive in the Heat: Eat Protein
Eating light is the key to keeping cool and avoiding energy dips during a heatwave. "You might not feel like eating when it's hot but light meals like salads (which have a high water content) and protein-dense meals are better for you," Evans says. "And, these won't give you that post meal slump. After all, not all of us can take a siesta during the day."
How to Be More Productive in the Heat: Wear Light Colours
It's tricky to get the balance between office-appropriate and keeping cool right when it comes to heatwave fashion. Light or minimal clothing should meet your workplace's requirements, even if you're on video meetings."Wear clothing that is light in colour as well as material," says Evans.
How to Be More Productive in the Heat: Stay Hydrated
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! If there's one thing you keep on top of today, let it be your water intake. "It's always important to keep hydrated to improve your concentration and productivity, even more so when it's hot to avoid feeling tired or getting headaches (signs you're already dehydrated)," Clare says. "Keep a glass of water or a chilled bottle on your desk, take frequent drinks and keep topping it up. Keep a bottle in the fridge so you have a cool drink on hand. Avoid hot drinks and alcohol which make you more dehydrated."
How to Be More Productive in the Heat: Relocate to a Lower Floor
You might have a home office set up or a designated desk in the office, but can you move just for one day? Evans suggests moving to a cooler area of the office or house or going somewhere that has air conditioning such as a hotel, cafe, or a restaurant. And remember, heat rises. She added: "Downstairs is often cooler than upstairs. Keep the curtains closed and the windows open if there's a breeze to cool things down a bit."
How to Be More Productive in the Heat: Stop for Some Yoga
Excessive exercise is dangerous in a heatwave, but simple yoga poses could actually help you to cool down and focus on work. Mariel Witmond, yogi and founder of mindful movement platform Mindful Sonder recommends laying on the floor or on your bed with your legs up the wall (a pose called Viparita Karani). This pose "relaxes tired legs and reduces swelling from the heat", as long as you do it for around five minutes at a time. Make sure the soles of your feet are facing up and your hips are as close to the wall as they can get.
A seated forward fold will also help to "stretch out tight shoulders, spine and hamstrings". Flex your toes, inhale and reach your arms up towards the ceiling before drawing your hips back and navel in and reaching your arms towards your legs. Grab your shins, toes, feet or hands and hold the pose for as long as you need. This pose is great if you're feeling a little "flustered", Witmond says.