Escape the heat: Cool down at the office with these tips

MANILA, Philippines – There’s nothing better than being at the beach right now with this heat. But since you’re bound to your office cubicle for 8 hours a day till the weekend, might as well think of some other ways to keep yourself cool when the air conditioning just isn’t doing enough for you.

Here are 4 simple ways to help you cool off in the summer heat:

1. Take some water along for the commute

It’s true that the reccommended amount of drinking water is 8 glasses a day. But in this heat, you should definitely be drinking more to keep yourself hydrated – not just in the office but during your travel as well. The heat during the commute can be unbearable – especially if you’re not driving to get to work and taking either a jeepney or a bus.

Keep some cold drinking water in insulated containers which will keep water cool and refreshing. Drinking water that has gotten warm throughout the day can help hydrate you but it just isn’t the same.

2. Accessorize your cubicle with summer-friendly props

Stock up now on summer essentials! Here are some ideas: 

• A small desktop fan for when the air conditioning just isn’t enough 
• Facial spray in your drawer to keep you feeling fresh throughout the day 
• Hand cream or lotion with a cooling effect 
• A spare umbrella (go for a darker color) and shades 
• A spare shirt or a change of clothes just in case you get extra sweaty 

When outside, it’s best to use a dark-colored umbrella to block out the UV rays.

3. Wear summer-friendly clothes

Avoid the color black as much as you can as it attracts heat and absorbs it. Stick with light fabrics like cotton, lightweight linen, or even jersey. They allow you to feel the slight breeze but protect you from the sun’s rays.

Try wearing dresses or opt for sandals with a kitten heel instead of closed shoes to keep yourself cool – if they’re allowed at the office, that is. And instead of wearing slacks that may end up making your legs sweaty, opt for a maxi skirt and pair it with a sturdy pair of heels to keep it office-appropriate. 

Bring a thin jacket to the office in case it gets cooler in your office space due to air conditioning. You wouldn’t want to get sick from the changing temperatures. 

It’s also best to wear less makeup as it can feel extremely heavy on hot days. Stick with BB cream or tinted moisturizer (better if it has SPF!), concealer, cheek tint, and a bit of gloss.

4. Make an event of it – go out for summer drinks with office pals

After work, it’s always nice to hang out with friends. Go out for a drink after your weekly overtime to have fun. Order some cold drinks to help you and your colleagues decompress after a long day at work. Sit back, relax, and have fun. You deserve it.

How about a midday break? Head over to the nearest neighborhood coffee shop, or take advantage of the many summer drinks and offers from different establishments around the metro. 

You might want to try going out as a group and try fresh, summer-friendly food. Avoid heavy, greasy dishes this time, and order the salad with the light, tangy dressing, or as a snack, opt for fresh fruits with a lot of water content (such as watermelon), over salty potato chips. 

Great food choices and bonding experiences are good ways to beat feeling low when it’s hot and sticky outside, too. 

Got tips of your own to share? Let us know in the comments section below. – Rappler.com

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