12 tips to increase concentration and productivity on hot summer days
Do you always need more time on summer days? Well, you are not alone. With the scorching sun blazing over your head, you may feel your concentration melting at any moment. None of us can control the temperature, but there are ways to focus and flourish the mind in summer. In this article, we will tell you some tips that will help you make summer the most productive time of your life. Stay with us.
Is summer the season of rest or work?
When we were kids, we waited the whole school year for summer. In this season, away from the hustle and bustle of school, we played with our friends and went out to eat ice cream with our family. Summer trips and swimming in the pool and the sea are essential to our memories of this hot season. However, when we grow up, there is no such thing as summer vacation anymore. We must work all year round, but working doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy summer. It is essential to understand how to balance work and rest.
When the weather is hot, it becomes difficult to work. When you are stuck in a bus or traffic, and the sun is shining on your head, or when you have to walk from the station to your office, you are sweating, nervous and tired. You arrive at work in such a state and must start your daily work. Working in a big company with several teams makes your job even more difficult. Some of your colleagues are always on vacation. One person returns from a trip, and two others take leave. Coordinating between different team members becomes difficult and may confuse and tire you. Hence, you need to know how to maintain your productivity during the summer season.
The effect of heat on productivity and concentration
Heat is one of the critical factors that hurt productivity. Hot weather increases stress and takes a lot of energy from the body. Because of this, people’s concentration decreases. When the body temperature rises, various organs become dehydrated. Dehydration makes you feel tired even at the beginning of the day, and you don’t have a good mood for work.
Fatigue and stress reduce the performance of the mind, and you may have to spend several hours on a small task. In addition, the pressure and heat of the air make the people of the group nervous and confused; as a result, the minor challenge makes everyone angry and creates tension in the company.
Tips to focus on work on hot days
There are different ways to increase concentration on hot days. You must be aware of the needs of your body and mind to maintain your productivity. The following explains the most effective ways to stay focused in the summer.
1 . Do not overwork
Try to do only some of your work in one day. The heat changes your mood and makes you tired. A long to-do list increases stress and affects your work results. So prioritize your tasks and only do essential lessons in a day. Postpone non-urgent functions to the next day or the weekend when you have more free time. This way you will have less stress and your performance will improve.
2 . Drink enough water
Heat dehydrates the body, and dehydration hurts productivity. When your body is dehydrated, you feel tired and lose concentration. Try to always have a bottle of cool water with you and drink a little water every half hour. Eating fruits and vegetables also increases your energy and concentration power.
3 . Take a break between tasks
Only spend part of the day working. Even when you don’t do much physical activity, the heat of the air makes you tired. Give yourself a break every hour or two. Take a walk outside and breathe fresh air. This will give your mind a break, and as a result, you will have more energy and concentration. In addition, it is good to wash your face with cool water several times a day to lower your body temperature and feel refreshed.
4. Work remotely
If you work in a company that allows you to work remotely, take advantage of this opportunity. Stay at home on sweltering days and do your work remotely. With telecommuting, your energy will not be wasted on the road and traffic, and you will be less stressed during long, hot days. As a result, your productivity increases.
5. Check the ventilation of the environment
Most companies have coolers but make sure the cooler is working properly. Air conditioning has a significant effect on the performance of employees. Long-term heat makes you tired and takes longer to do things. If your office environment is hot, report it to your managers. Ask them to repair the air conditioner so fresh and excellent air flows into the room.
6. Close the curtains in your office
Sunlight brightens and cheers up your room, but it also warms the air. According to research, closing the room curtains in summer is better to keep the interior cool. Of course, dark and thick curtains make the room warmer, so it is better to use curtains that reflect more light and prevent heat.
7. Avoid sugary drinks
We are all tempted to drink cold syrups or iced coffee when the weather is hot, but these drinks reduce productivity. When you consume a lot of glucose in hot weather, your energy decreases, and you feel more tired in the long run. Drink water instead of these drinks. Make your meals lighter and drink water between meals so your brain function does not decrease in hot weather.
8. Take a cold shower
Many doctors believe that cold showers are harmful to health. They say cold water reduces the body’s metabolism and burns many calories. In addition, it increases the risk of developing eczema. But a cold water shower removes fatigue and gives you energy. If you cannot shower, soak a towel in cold water and wipe your face and neck every few hours.
9. Wear comfortable clothes
Loose clothes and bright colours are the best choices for summer. Cotton fabrics have natural fibres and are more relaxed than clothes made with synthetic fibres. Try to wear comfortable and light clothes on hot days. You can also store your cosmetic lotions and toners in the refrigerator. When your body temperature is high, use excellent cream or toner on your skin to regulate your body temperature and relieve your fatigue.
10. Wash it off
Feet plays an essential role in regulating body temperature. Just as your whole body gets warm by wearing warm socks in winter, you can cool your whole body by cooling your feet in summer. Prepare some water and ice and put your feet in it for a few minutes. The coolness of the water removes the fatigue and boredom of the body. Note that you should not spray with icy water. Icy water may increase the pain and fatigue of your legs.
11 . Plan your work
Follow the weather news and adjust your weekly schedule accordingly. The heat of the air causes enough stress, so it is better not to do stressful things during these days. Please postpone part of your work to the evening or early morning when the weather is cooler. If you have a task that requires a lot of concentration, choose a day that is not too hot.
12 . meditate
Today, there are various programs with the help of which you can stay focused and increase your productivity. Meditation and mindfulness exercises reduce stress and prepare your brain for daily tasks. Dedicate a few minutes of your day to this task. Listen to soft music. Practice deep and regular breathing and become aware of your mind and body. This will motivate you to continue your work. After completing each vital project, give yourself a reward that makes you happy and gives you morale.
last word
During the long summer days, succumbing to the heat and losing focus is natural, but you should know there are ways to deal with this problem. If you want to be productive even on the hottest days, you need to plan a proper strategy in your mind. Be aware of your body’s needs and help your brain maintain focus and ability.
Apart from the points mentioned, what strategies do you use to increase concentration on hot summer days? Could you share your comments with us?