Sweats are particularly unpleasant at work - especially if they don't just occur in summer, but are a constant companion. But why do we often sweat more than usual at work? Stress is one of the most common triggers here. Conversations with superiors, customer appointments, presentations to customers, lectures, anger with colleagues, time stress and fear of failure can lead to a tense situation and in the bodyTrigger stress reaction. The body often shows this by producing additional sweat.
But it is precisely in such situations that armpit sweat or wet hands are more than annoying and inappropriate. The resulting sweat stains on outer clothing not only look unsightly, but can also convey false prejudices to superiors and colleagues: the colleague is overwhelmed, extremely insecure and nervous or doesn't think much of physical hygiene.
The body reacts to these external circumstances (tension, hectic pace) and automatically increases the temperature so that you start to sweat.
But what can you do?On the one hand, you should try to put tense situations into perspective and get to the bottom of the problem. Why do you react stressed or what scares you? Rationally speaking, in most cases there is no real danger, but rather subjective feelings take over. The first step here? Positive thinking! In this way, you will also strengthen your self-confidence - and tense situations will be much easier to handle.
Of course, this doesn't happen overnight. Practice makes perfect. As the person affected, you certainly need quick help with sweat stains or wet hands. So there are someAnti-sweating aidsthat can help you get your problem under control:
Sweating at work: 1. Antiperspirants
With their ingredients (aluminum salts), antiperspirants ensure that the sweat glands are constricted and thus sweat formation is reduced. There is no sweat at all and your skin stays dry.
Sweat is basically odorless. The cause of the smell is bacteria. The moisture from sweating promotes the growth of odor-causing bacteria. These break down sweat into its strong-smelling components.
By using an antiperspirant, your skin stays dry so that the bacteria are deprived of their basis. They reduce sweating and at the same time prevent unpleasant odors. So you kill two birds with one stone.
Good to know: Antiperspirantare not only suitable for the armpits, but also ideal for other areas of the body that sweat heavily, such as the head, face and handsor feet. Thanks to different dosage forms (roll-on, dispenser or wipes), the right product for your area of application will certainly be found quickly.
Sweating at work:2. Armpit pads
To prevent sweat stains from forming on your outer clothing, there is also the option of using underarm pads or functional undershirts with integrated underarm moisture protection.
Armpit pads are laundry protection inserts and can be quickly and easily attached to your top in the armpit area. The absorbent surface absorbs the resulting sweat directly and locks it securely in the core. The skin remains dry and clean.
Sweating at work: 3. Undershirts with sewn-in underarm protection
Functional undershirts with directly integrated underarm moisture protection offer another way to protect yourself from annoying stains when you sweat heavily. The sewn-in protective area absorbs sweat directly and the moisture is trapped before odor occurs. There are a variety of models. So everyone can find their new favorite shirt to suit their personal taste and wardrobe.
By the way: By wearing functional undershirts under your clothing, you not only protect yourself from sweat stains, but you also protect your office outfit at the same time. Frequent washing is reduced and your favorite items stay “like new” for longer.
Sweating at work: 4. Cooling neck towels
With summer temperatures in the office, you could use a bit of cooling down every now and then during rush hour. How about an air conditioning towel? Quickly moistened and tied around your neck, forehead or wrists, it will bring you instant relief. In hot weather, this gently regulates your body temperature. In addition to a fresh iced tea, it's certainly a good choice for pleasant refreshment - just give it a try.
Don't let problems such as heavy sweating, sweat smell and sweat stains dictate your (working) life. Find the right solution for you so that you can focus back on your work in a relaxed manner.
7 tips for dealing with high heat in the workplace
Summer is approaching and with high temperatures in the office, it's not easy for all employees. No matter whether you tend to have problems with sweating or the heat bothers you in other ways - heat-free is only reserved for our children. To help you keep a cool head at work, here are 7 tips for you:
1. Cool rooms
Especially in the warm summer months, the office rooms should be ventilated once in the morning. Afterwards, it's best to keep the windows and blinds closed to block out the heat. If you are lucky enough to have air conditioning, it is important that it is set correctly. Recommendation here: no more than 6 degrees difference to the outside temperature.ATTENTION: If air conditioning and fans are not set correctly, “drafts” can easily arise and a cold or tension can result.
2. Devices
PCs, copiers and lights should only be switched on when they are actually needed. When switched on, these tend to develop into real heating stoves. Nobody needs that in the summer.
3. Drink enough
Drinking a lot is always important. But especially at high temperatures, the high loss of fluid must also be compensated for. In high heat, drink at least 2 to 4 liters daily. Probably the best drink to quench your thirst and replenish our mineral levels is and remains mineral water. But diluted fruit or vegetable juices and teas are also ideal when the thermometer climbs upwards. However, the drinks should not be ice cold. Even if a glass of ice-cold juice gives you a feeling of freshness, your stomach has to work harder to restore the temperature balance. (Luke)warm teas, on the other hand, relieve your body.
4. Healthy eating
In summer temperatures we usually don't have that much of an appetite. However, it is all the more important to recharge your energy reserves with a balanced breakfast, especially in the morning. Grains, fruit or vegetables give you new energy and provide the body with optimal nutrients and vitamins. During your lunch break, choose a light, not too spicy dish. This way you stay fit until the end of the day.
5. Keep your circulation going
For a little freshness kick every now and then, simply run cold water over your wrists. This refreshes and stimulates the circulation. On really hot days, a cold foot bath would be ideal to strengthen your circulation - unfortunately this is rarely possible in the office. But maybe as a tip for the next home office day?
6. Adjust working hours
Do you perhaps have flexitime or the opportunity to start work earlier in the summer months? You often don't sleep that long in the summer anyway, so you can use the cool morning hours to get the first bit of work done.
7. Sun protection/protective clothing
If you spend most of your working time outdoors instead of in the office, special protective clothing is particularly important. Above all, pay attention to additional sun protection.
6 more tips to keep stress levels low in the office
But if you sweat not only because of the high summer temperatures, but also because of stressful situations, then the following applies: don't let sweat become your career killer! Self-confidence instead of insecurity is the magic word against anxiety/stress sweat. We also have some tips for you here:
1. Increase self-confidence
You can have a positive impact on your self-confidence even with small tricks in your everyday work life. Always maintain a straight posture - don't make yourself small. Smile! When you smile, you automatically have a positive attitude and immediately feel better. Always try to see the positive in every situation - you will quickly notice that there is hardly any room in your head for negative thoughts. Believe in yourself. You know your strengths and should also use your skills. And then something goes wrong - it's not a big deal, mistakes happen again and again. The important thing is to learn from it.
2. Incorporate relaxation exercises into everyday office life
With a little practice you can create some balance. Sit comfortably and tense your muscles. Wait for several seconds and now let all the air out of your lungs with a strong breath. Repeat exercise as many times as you like. You can already feel the tensions dissolving.
AlsoMeditationsare ideal for reducing stress. However, most of the options cannot necessarily be integrated into everyday office life. But maybe try meditating in the evening? If you end the day relaxed, you will start a new working day all the more balanced.
3. Breathing techniques
You can easily measure whether we are stressed or not by our breathing. In stressful situations, breathing is usually quick and shallow, and in relaxation it is regular, calm and deep.
A good way to relax is the 4 to 6 breathing technique. Simply pause for a moment and consciously pay attention to your breathing. Then try breathing in for 4 seconds and breathing out for 6 seconds. You can also breathe in for 3 seconds and breathe out for 5 seconds. The only important thing is that the exhalation is longer than the inhalation. Try 5 to 10 cycles in your timing. Don't give up right away - practice makes perfect. Find your own rhythm and try to improve day by day. This exercise calms the autonomic nervous system. Relaxation is activated and the pulse and heartbeat become calmer. They are calmer overall.
4. Appropriate Wardrobe
If you don't necessarily have to wear a suit or costume in the office, it's better to choose airy clothing made from breathable materials (e.g. cotton or linen). Light colors also do not immediately reveal any sweat stains that may appear.
5. Look out the window
Take a moment, open the window and let your thoughts wander. Breathe in the fresh air. You will notice that a short moment is enough to change your mind. You feel strengthened for the next tasks.
6. Wait and drink tea
If things go haywire in the office again, stop and don't let the prevailing chaos get to you. A cup of chamomile tea relaxes and has a calming effect at the same time.
