Being stuck in the office in the summer can be rough. However, there are a few things you can do to make your office-bound summer more tolerable—like reading the Summer Office Survival Guide, brought to you in celebration of the ultimate summer treat, the a recent study suggests that caring for plants can help elevate your mood. Plus, if you surround yourself with enough foliage, you can sort of pretend that you're outside in some exotic, leafy locale.
Plan Your Escape
Even if you're not actually going anywhere this summer, take a few minutes to fantasize. Sites like Travelzoo will email vacation packages right to your inbox, and Star Alliance uses a nifty interface that lets you visualize an around-the-world adventure. New York to Brazil to Iceland to Turkey sure sounds a lot nicer than the G to the L to the 6.
Refresh Yourself
Recent studies have proven that sitting at a desk all day can be seriously hazardous to your health. The best way to best way to combat the adverse effects? Mix up your normal routine and make sure you include some non-computer-related activities into your workday. If you can, try to take a fifteen-minute break and walk around the block. Stop and smell the roses! Breathe that fresh(ish) air! Marvel how, for once, the streets are totally devoid of suits.
The ultimate tip for surviving the summer? Set your Gchat status to "busy", sneak out while everyone is in a meeting, and wander on down to Starbucks to try the new Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino—a blend of mocha sauce, Frappuccino Chips, Starbucks' signature Frappuccino Roast Coffee, fresh milk, and ice, all topped with chocolaty whipped cream and covered with chocolate cookie crumbles. That ought to make your summer a little better.