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There are two huge problems with the UK during the heatwave -
1. It's unbearable.
2. It's even more unbearable because we don't have the luxury of air con in our homes.
As a freelancer, I WFH all day, every day, even in sweltering temperatures. And I'm here to tell you, it's not fun working during a heatwave. I'm melting; a fan just blows hot air in my face, and I'm sweating in places I never knew existed. Seriously, if I were prime minister, I'd make sure everyone gets air con fitted in their house free of charge. The high temperatures do feel punishing, especially when you're working from home.
So what are the secrets to WFH comfortably during a heatwave?
Well, there are some things I do to make sure I keep myself cool and manage to tackle my to-do list without wanting to throw a tantrum complaining of how hot it is.
Sometimes, not all of these tips work every day, but they make the day more manageable and help me work when I know I need to.
Here are some ways I manage to WFH during a heatwave:
1) Drink plenty of water
Ok, I'm stating the bleeding obvious, I know. But it's super important to drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated, as we are sweating more than usual. Keep a reusable bottle filled with water or any cool drink next to you. This way you don't have to go to the kitchen every 5 minutes for a top-up.
2) Shut out the sun
This does sound counterintuitive, I know. But I've seen this tip recommended by others before, and I was sceptical at first. But honestly, it does work! It may not keep the house completely cool, but it does stop the room I work in from feeling like a greenhouse. I then open the curtains when I know the sun has gone around.
3) Dress in clothes that keep you cool
I do feel like I'm stating the obvious with these tips; I know. But hear me out. Normally, even when I'm working from home, I like to dress as if I'm going to an office. It just makes me feel more put together, and it boosts my productivity and creativity! Anyway, during a heatwave, that is not always possible. When it's hot at home and I need to work, I stick to wearing sports bras and shorts. It's comfortable and doesn't require too much effort! Wearing cooling materials and fabrics is your best bet for staying cool.
4) Freeze a hot water bottle
Rather than putting ice lollies in my bra (not recommended), filling a hot water bottle with cold water and putting it in the freezer is probably for the best. It's great to put under my feet or behind my back while working. It's fantastic for putting on your bed before going to sleep so the bed is cool before lying on it.
5) Work at a desk/table
Laptops generate heat. Having one of them on your lap will bring heated, unnecessary misery. Instead, I sit at my dining table or even use a foldaway tray so I don't feel one bit of heat my laptop emits. Also, unplug your charger as soon as your laptop is fully charged; charging devices can generate heat, so unplug them as soon as any device is fully charged or has sufficient battery remaining.
6) Cold flannels are my best friend
The oldest trick in the book. Wet or even saturate a flannel with water and place it across the back of your neck. It will target the brain that senses and regulates body temperature, so it will trick your brain into thinking it's cooler than it is.
7) Work in the coolest part of your house
For me, I work in my old dining room, as the sun doesn't enter that room all day. It's honestly my favourite room of the house in the Summer. It's cool, airy, and the temperature is like fridge temperature - heaven. If there is a cool room in your house, use it. It makes a huge difference!
8) Buy a desk fan
Desk fans aren't heavy and don't need lugging around like big and heavy house fans. I bought this particular one from *Amazon, and it's a fantastic, powerful little fan! It does make working a little more bearable during a heatwave!
I hope these tips help you if you currently WFH!
Let's face it, working from home during a heatwave stinks. But these ways do make it a little more tolerable.
Let me know if you have any tips for keeping cool when WFH!
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