From USB fans to mini fridges: Gadgets for your workspace to help with your 'ang init' woes
Is it just us or has summer come early this year?
Daily temperatures in Metro Manila are reaching an average of 33°C this month, with Dagupan recording the highest heat index of 46°C on March 7.
Aside from the risk of fatigue and exhaustion, the scorching heat can also actually affect the way you work. According to business-focused publication Quartz, hot weather actually slows your body down. Activities you're used to doing, like walking, take more effort in the heat, causing you to feel lazy and drained of energy.
Luckily, there are gadgets that can help you beat the heat or at least make your workday more comfortable, like air conditioners. But in case you aren't able to work in an AC-cooled space, here are some alternatives you can try.
USB mini fan
If you want to get some air at a close distance, you can place a USB mini fan at your desk to keep you cool. While it can't cool an entire room, these small fans offer different speed settings.
Most mini fans are rechargeable—you don't need to keep them plugged in all day—while others can be easily powered by plugging them into your laptop or computer.
Asahi has a mini fan with a battery capacity of 2000mAh, which means it can work for three to four hours before needing a recharge. It also has three-speed settings and a detachable stand.
Tyeso tumbler
During hot days, it's important to stay hydrated. One way to keep your water cool throughout your workday is with a vacuum flask. This affordable tumbler from Tyeso promises to keep your liquids hot or cold for three to six hours.
Pair your tumbler with steel ice cubes that keep your drink cold for longer.
Laptop cooling pad
Some laptops can get pretty toasty in high temperatures, especially if you're using high-intensity apps and programs. To keep your laptop from overheating, you can get a cooling pad, which has built-in fans to maintain your device's temperature.
Online, you can find a cooler from Gigaware—compatible for 10-inch to 17-inch laptops.
Aluminum mouse pad
To keep your wrists cool while you're typing away, try opting for a metal aluminum mousepad. Not to mention they look sleek, too. MD Custom Mousepad sells metal mats in both silver and black. They also have silicone on the bottom to prevent the mousepad from slipping on your desk.
Ofix Mesh chair
Compared to office chairs clad in leather, mesh chairs will better help you cool down. These chairs have more breathable backs, allowing air to flow more freely. They also don't catch sweat as much as upholstered chairs due to how the tiny openings in the weaving of the mesh.
Ofix offers an ergonomic office chair complete with armrests and a headrest for maximum comfort. This chair—coming in black, blue, orange, and red—can also recline so you can relax every now and then while you're working.
Mini fridge
Don't want to have to walk a few feet to grab a cold drink from your kitchen? Why not keep a mini fridge near your desk so your refresher will just be at an arm's length?
Baseus' 8L mini fridge is not only functional, but it looks cute, too! It has curved edges and a small window, giving it a retro look. According to the product listing, this mini fridge can hold eight canned drinks at a time and can reach up to 0°C cooling temperatures.