Do you find that your productivity slips in the summer months?
Well, you’re not alone! Many of us have difficulty working in the summer, especially on those scorching hot days. Heat can make us feel tired and even lazy, but it’s unprofessional to decrease your standard workload just because the sun is out.
If you find the summer months tough, keep reading. We’ve researched why this phenomenon occurs and what you can do to beat it. It’s time to have a productive and fun summer!
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Why Do I Feel Lazy In The Heat?
Many employees feel guilty when their concentration slips, but this is a common problem. Sometimes called the “summer slump”, teams usually see a drop in their productivity as the weather heats up.
Research has shown that exposure to higher temperatures will cause our bodies to work overtime as they need more energy to regulate our internal systems. If the temperature is hotter, more energy is used for regulation and less for work.
Luckily, there are methods to beat these feelings.
Tips For Cooling Off And Working Smarter
Ready to increase your productivity rates? Here are some tried and tested tips for all employees.
Set Timers
Since your body is using more energy to regulate your body in the heat, it can be helpful to work in shorter bursts. Timers and time blocks can inspire you to focus hard in smaller amounts of time.
This is a popular method since it gives you time to zone out and relax between timers or blocks. The Pomodoro method is a famous example of this way of working. Many adopt this style and use it throughout the year, not just the summer.
Use The Power Of Music
Another great way to inspire more work in the summer months is with the help of music. It’s well known that music can positively affect our emotions, but did you know it can make you more productive too?
The key to working well with music is to find the style that speaks to you. Some employees enjoy working with some chilled lo-fi beats; however, others can get the job done with exciting techno tunes. You can also find background noise and meditation tracks. These are great for blocking out the outside world when work needs to be finished. Experiment with different styles and see what works best for you.
Create Fun In The Office
If you spend the summer days longing to have fun in the sun, you might benefit from bringing the joy into the office. Schedule breaks where you chill out and chat with co-workers or organize group meetings in a casual setting.
Make sure you take advantage of any birthdays, anniversaries, or milestones. Any chance to celebrate will make the team smile, and they’ll enjoy the working day more. This is a great way to embrace the positive summer vibes while working in the office.
Move When You Can
Does summer make you wish you were outside? If so, take the time to get up and active when you can! Getting your blood pumping through extra workouts or walking is a great way to boost energy levels, and this can be channelled into your work.
Since the sun is up earlier in summer, take this as an opportunity to get out and active before work. If you’re not an early riser, use the long evenings to run or jog - this is something to motivate you through the workday.
Keep The Room Cool
This tip might seem a little obvious, but we have to remind everyone! If you’re finding the summer heat strenuous, invest in some summer accessories. From room fans to ice packs, there are many hacks you can use to stay cool.
We also suggest wearing thin, cotton-based clothing. Avoid synthetic fabrics or thicker garments, as these will stop ventilation and leave you overheating! Try to wear lighter jackets, short sleeved shirts, and pants that don’t include wool fibres. Feeling comfortable will have a considerable impact on your productivity.
Remember To Book Time Off In Advance
Perhaps the most essential point for summer work is to make sure you book some time off earlier in the year. There’s nothing worse than summer arriving, and you’ve forgotten to take holiday days. These days get booked up fast, so plan ahead and thank yourself in the future! We all deserve a little summer holiday.
Final Thoughts
We all struggle with heat from time to time, so it’s normal to have a few days where your productivity slips. But, if you notice that your performance is continuously down, it might be time to use some of these tips to improve your work output!
Here at Flexispot, we care about all things work and lifestyle. Enjoy the latest blogs from our writers here.
