Heat- proof your brain

As Britain is gripped by another heatwave, neuroscience expert Amy Brann explains why your mind feels like sludge when the mercury soars - and what you can do about it

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The British summer can be glorious... until you have to work through it. When the temperature climbs, so do distraction, fatigue and frustration - and your productivity takes a hit.

But it’s not your fault - heat really does make it harder to think. Your brain functions best within a narrow temperature range. When your environment heats up, your body works harder to keep you cool. This diverts energy away from the brain, making you feel sluggish. Research also shows that heat increases the brain's perceived effort for tasks - meaning even simple jobs feel harder. On top of that, high temperatures can affect the prefrontal cortex - the brain region responsible for focus, planning, and decision-making - leading to more mistakes and slower thinking.

With a few simple adjustments, you can protect your focus and mental energy - and even make the most of the warm weather. But even with the best strategies, your mental capacity may dip slightly in hot conditions. By setting realistic goals and tackling the most important work when you have the most energy, you can still be productive without exhausting yourself.

If you plan your work day to match your brain's needs, stay hydrated, and keep your environment as cool as possible, you won't just survive the heat - you might even thrive in it.