How to stay productive in a Berlin heat wave

As every Berliner will know, the summer is well and truly upon us, with temperatures reaching their highest of the season last weekend. Although this is great for spending weekends at Tempelhof or swimming in a lake, how do we go about maintaining productivity on weekdays like this, when all you feel like doing is jumping in a pool and sipping cocktails? We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to stay focused and stay productive during this hot Berlin summer:

Make use of the cooler hours before the uncomfortable temperatures hit. Enjoy a fresh start to the day and avoid arriving at the office overheated after cycling through the city, or having to endure a packed and sweaty tram or u-bahn.

Choose fresh and fruity snacks such as watermelon, grapefruit and oranges, and stay away from high-sodium or sugar treats like chips or cookies, which will make you feel tired.

Add some strawberries or cucumber to your water bottle – these will contribute to your fluid intake and help prevent headaches and sluggishness caused by dehydration.

Though it might feel a little too hot to get exercising, physical activity will boost your energy levels and help you on your way to that beach body! Plan short and effective workouts in the morning or evening and move your workout outdoors to get a healthy dose of fresh air before or after spending the day sitting at your desk.

Summer is without a doubt the happiest time of the year! No matter how much you have on your plate, treat yourself to some of the endless summer events taking place all over Berlin. Not only will this keep you from feeling cranky, but you’ll no longer feel like summer is passing by without you!

Why not organise a team BBQ in the local park, or take a dip in the pool after work?

Does your office have a balcony or a courtyard? Get some bean bags or deck chairs and work in the open air for a couple of hours. Changing your environment will keep you more energised, rather than sitting indoors all day and feeling sleepy.

Skip the meeting room and take your meeting outside! Walk to the park or take a stroll around the block - walk-n-talk meetings are proven to be more productive anyway.  

Never underestimate the power of ice cream! Get your colleagues together, take a trip to the nearest supermarket and fill up your office freezer with ice lollies. During those long summer work days, treat yourself after completing a task, and then power on through to the next one!