Unfortunately for many of us, this summer is shaping up to be tremendously hot and uncomfortable. Even worse, many offices don’t offer much better protection from the heat than just being outside. Maybe the air conditioner is on the fritz, or maybe you have a ton of glass windows with little shading. Whatever it is, working in an 80 degree office is nobody’s idea of a good time. To alleviate some of these problems, here are three tactics you can try to keep comfortable:

1.) Take off your shoes - Obviously, you can’t walk around your office in socks (unless you can get away with it). However, when you’re at your desk, take off your shoes and let some of your natural body heat escape. Not only will it feel great but you’ll also be more relaxed as you get more comfortable. One word of warning: Be cognizant of the people around you. For instance, if you work in close quarters and your feet…how to put it…SMELL…pass on this tip (please).

2.) Clean up - If you’re sitting at your desk and sweating all over your laptop, chances are not much work is getting done. That’s why it’s crucial that you take a break every once and awhile and wash up in the restroom. While a full shower is not required, just washing your face and hands will make you feel 100 times better. While you’re at it, you mind as well grab a fresh glass of water. This tactic has the added benefit of giving you a small break from your work as well. Overall, you’ll go back to your desk refreshed and ready to work (at least until you’re next break).

3.) Relocate - When all else fails, you might have to relocate. This can come in the form of temporarily moving to a different part of the office or maybe working at home. Most employers are pretty receptive to this as long as it’s a legitimate concern. Let’s face it, what kind of value are they getting out of an employee who’s half awake because of 80 degree heat? Are they thinking about their work or about escaping their office prison sentence? It doesn’t hurt to try this if the heat is really getting to you.

As I stated in point three above, it’s in your employer’s best interest to keep you working at the maximum level that you’re capable of. Your work environment is a huge part of this equation, so don’t be shy to tell them if you are having real problems staying on top of things because of it.