I'm getting less done in this heat - and I don't feel bad about it

It’s just too hot. I don’t mind a bit of sunshine, but here in the UK, our cities are not built for heatwaves, so we have to manage our expectations whilst it’s so hot.

Of course I’d like to get more done, particularly given its a tough business year, but in a heatwave, there are a few things I’ve noticed working from home (with an indoor morning temperature of 25-27 degrees and an afternoon temperature of 33 degrees.)

• I get less done.
• I procrastinate more.
• My exercise breaks have stopped - I’m too hot - I don’t like the sense of losing peak fitness.
• My self-discipline has gone out the window - snacking - sugar - bad habits - what’s happened to me? I’m usually ON-IT with most things, but not in a heatwave.
• I can’t concentrate, and feel frustrated that I’m not getting more done.
• When the kids get home, I’m so much grumpier than usual.

But for all my complaints about the heat, I’m lucky. Very lucky.

I don’t work shifts and I live in a terraced house with a garden (and we have the beautiful Warley Woods at the end of our road) The fact is, that in most European countries, the more affluent your post code, the more usable green space you’ll have access to - it’s unfair and needs urgent attention. I really do feel for shift workers and those living in high rise flats.

But why is this relevant for a burnout newsletter?

As the heat continues, manage your expectations and pace yourself:

1. We cannot expect the same level of productivity from ourselves or others in this heat. We might want it - but it’s not a reasonable expectation.

2. You are not super-human. No one is. Stay hydrated, keep out the sun.

3. So that our community does not run out of water - do your bit for society with water saving strategies - shorter showers, not filling and refilling the paddling pools, the car doesn’t need a wash (it will only get dirty again).

4. Burnout, wellbeing, mental health and climate change - these words belong in the same sentence. We need serious conversation within our organisations, homes, communities about climate change. It shouldn’t be a political issue - the science is overwhelmingly clear. With all we now know, what do we need to do, to hit net zero and move to drawdown? And in the meantime, how do we build sustainable communities which are ready for the heat, both from a point of view of water shortage, crop failure, housing adjustments, and work adjustments?

If you want to bring the topic of burnout to life, either as a keynote talk, or as part of an away day, or wellbeing week initiative, or even as a collaborative, mini-podcast series for your organisation, then get in touch and let’s talk.

I’m a CPD accredited and TEDx speaker, podcaster and author, delivering entertaining, inspirational and relatable keynote talks, grounded in lived experience and global research.

Connect with me at: https://www.andrewpain.co.uk/

And/ Or let’s connect on Linkedin and DM me to book an exploratory conversation