Studies show that an increase in air temperature by one degree above 23 ° C reduces performance by an average of 4%. The higher the ambient temperature, the slower and less productive we work. Is it possible to deal with this somehow?
Research by physiologists supports the idea that in the summer we have a right to be lazy: in the heat, blood clotting increases, muscle tone decreases, and as a result, the brain receives less oxygen. And the less nutrition goes to the brain, the lower the cognitive functions and performance.
Can anything be done about it? Fortunately, yes!
Change working conditions
First of all, it is important to create the right conditions for work. This requires two factors: supply ventilation and air conditioning. The cooler the air, the easier it will be for the brain to function at full capacity.
An important condition: the air conditioner should not cool the same air – you need a constant supply of oxygen. Otherwise, against the background of a seemingly pleasant coolness, the level of carbon dioxide in the air will increase, and performance will continue to fall.
Do the exercise
A simple qigong exercise will help ensure blood flow to the brain. It is taken from the Sing Shen Juang complex, supplemented with a respiratory component from female Taoist practices, and you can perform it anywhere: at work and even on the subway.
Sit on a chair, straighten your back, do not lean on your back. Feet on the floor, palms on knees. Tilt your head forward, let it “hang” at the base of your neck. Begin to lean forward, as if hanging on each next vertebra. There are 12 vertebrae in the thoracic region and five in the lumbar region. The head carries the first chest, the second, the third … And so on to the waist.
The more relaxed the muscles along the spine, the better the blood flow to the brain
You probably won’t be able to feel every single vertebrae, but finding that discrete, gradual movement in itself will have a relaxing effect. And the more relaxed the muscles along the spine, the better the blood flow to the brain.
Bending down to your knees, take a relaxed breath, then exhale, hold your breath and begin to rise: in the same way, vertebra by vertebra. Feel the ribs expand as you lift, and the diaphragm pulls up. After lifting – a deep free breath.
After doing this simple exercise two or three times in a row, you will feel that your “head has cleared up”, which means you can get back to work.
To sleep or not to sleep?
According to the experience of the southern countries, in the heat you can indulge in a siesta with pleasure – sleep or doze off during the day. How useful is daytime sleep for productivity?
According to modern research, sleep during the day is useful, but only for a short time: no more than 10 minutes. It will allow you to really clear your head, reboot your brain and get new fresh ideas for solving complex problems.