Ah, SUMMER!  When summer comes, everything looks brighter and better, cheerier and happier. You feel as though life will go on again at last and the world of endless possibilities lies ahead of you. Picnics and barbecues, hikes in the hills and jaunts to the beach. Weekend get-aways, pool trips, biking through the valleys and nightly ice cream runs – right? Well, mostly. Minus the 8 hours a day in which you’re stuck at your office in front of a computer, yeah? Yeah, I know the feeling.

When summer is staring you in the face, walking into work can make you feel like hitting your head against the wall, or computer, whichever happens to be closer. To get you through those 8 hours without giving up on summer completely, try some of these tips and tools to bring summer to the office.

Bring the Outdoors In
Try to bring some sort of “life” to your desk. Whether you bring in a blooming potted plant or plan to adopt a fish (I once had a “Fletcher” the fish on my desk), you’ll be amazed at what a difference it can make. Too much technology at one’s fingertips and eyes is not always the best thing.

Stay Cool & Refreshed
Many offices become overly warm in the summer months, making the days long and miserable, your attitude sluggish and your mind and body lethargic. Think about trying a portable air conditioner. Not only can you stay cool, if you choose a dual option that has an air purifier, you’ll ensure that you’re getting clean air and adequate amounts of oxygen. You’ll find yourself feeling refreshed all day long, your skin will stay healthier and you’ll think more clearly.

Note: Make sure not to get one with R-22, a refrigerant that emits HFCS and depletes the ozone. R410A is what you’re after.

Keep a Freezer Full of Fruitsicles

Nothing helps you endure the afternoon doldrums till 5:00 and your escape to freedom and backyard cookouts like a stroll to the lunchroom for a homemade fruitsicle. What’s more summer-y than that, I ask you?

Ditch the Fluorescent Lighting

There’s almost nothing worse than being stuck in a cubicle in the middle of the fourth floor on a sunny 90 degree day. Except, of course, being stuck under glaring fluorescent lighting. Try an eco-friendly OttLite that uses 508 illumination and is as close to the feel and look of natural sunlight that you can get. It’s also proven to fight against Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), so it’s kinda the next best thing to the real Vitamin D mood boost of the sun. I happen to like this reading lamp.

Optimize Breaks

If you usually head down to the lunch room for lunch or for your afternoon break, head outside instead for a quick saunter around the building. Just a momentary break from the indoors and a chance to relish the summer heat and atmosphere can be enough to power you through the day. If you have a park anywhere nearby, make it there quick as you can and see if you can find someone’s dog to adopt for a good round of go-fetch.

Author Tara Alley is a freelance writer out of Orange County, CA, who tries to live sustainably in the city and discover and enjoy the simple things of life on a daily basis.

(popsicle photo credit: DandySugar.com)