Summer Working from Home: Stay Cool and Productive

Summer brings sunshine and the beach to your home office, but it can also lead to warm afternoons when your mind and body want to take a break. With a few tricks and routines, however, you can stay focused and energized even on hot days. Our tips will help you stay productive even when it's 30 degrees—and maybe even enjoy the warm weather.

Start early and beat the heat

Start your workday as early as possible. Temperatures are usually still pleasantly cool in the morning. Tackle complex tasks in the morning when your mind is fresh, and in the afternoon, take a siesta or continue working in the shade. If you finish work earlier, you can also use the afternoon to cool off by the lake or simply relax.

Morning work time: Get started early in the morning—the peace and quiet before 9 a.m. make it easier to work with focus.

Plan a siesta: When it gets hot outside, take a break or postpone less important tasks until later. As doctors recommend, you should tackle complex tasks during the cool morning hours when it's very hot and take a rest break at noon.

Keep cool (ventilation & shade)

Keep your home office cool: Only open the windows when it's really cooler, such as early in the morning or in the evening. During the day, keep the sun out as much as possible—blinds, curtains, or thick privacy screens will keep the heat out. A fan or air conditioner (if you have one) can also help maintain a pleasant temperature.

Ventilation: Open the windows wide in the morning and evening to let cool air into the room, but close them at noon.

Blackout: Close the blinds or curtains during the day so the direct sun doesn't heat up the room.

Light clothing: Wear loose, light-colored clothing—this will help your body breathe better and prevent you from overheating as quickly.

Use devices: If possible, use fans or air conditioners to improve the indoor climate.

Extra tip: A cold foot bath under your desk will cool you down quickly and is super easy to set up in your home office.

Stay hydrated & enjoy light snacks

Your body needs extra fluids and energy right now. Drink at least 2–3 liters (or even 3–5 liters in extreme heat) of water, unsweetened tea, or highly diluted fruit juices throughout the day. The German Meteorological Service recommends drinking even more to quench your thirst in extreme heat. Drinking regularly keeps your circulation stable and prevents headaches.

Drink plenty: Water, tea, or diluted fruit juices provide fluids without a sugar rush.

Light meals: Eat several small portions throughout the day instead of one large, heavy lunch. Salads, cold soups, or fruit (melon, berries) will keep you refreshed without making you feel tired.

Refreshing snacks: Cool snacks like frozen yogurt, smoothies, or homemade iced tea will give you new energy and provide a little break. Plan several mini-breaks to enjoy these treats.

Stay active to beat summer fatigue

Summer fatigue is real: heat slows down your circulation and often makes you feel sluggish. Exercise is still the best remedy. Incorporate short exercise routines into your home office routine—they boost your metabolism and wake you up.

Mini-walks: Take a short break every few hours and stretch your legs in the fresh air. Even a 5-minute walk around the house can boost your performance.

Stand-up sessions: Stand up occasionally and do light stretches or shoulder rolls at your desk. Short standing breaks like these help relieve tension.

Incorporate standing breaks: If possible, try working while standing more often. Just 10–15 minutes of standing can help get your circulation going. Studies show that alternating between sitting and standing improves blood flow and increases concentration.

Height-adjustable desk: An electrically height-adjustable desk makes it easy to stand up more often. It allows for regular standing periods that give your body energy and help prevent back pain We offer a wide selection of electrically height-adjustable desks designed specifically for this purpose.

All these small measures together will help you stay productive in the height of summer. With a little planning, a cool head, and an ergonomically designed workspace, you can get through the hot days with ease.