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Do This - Not That: Managing Hot Flashes at Work

From the Menopause and Hormones Articles List

How can I manage hot flashes at the office?


Coping with hot flashes can require some creativity and ingenuity. And when it comes to the work place or a public setting where you must maintain a professional appearance, dealing with hot flashes can be especially challenging.

At the office, there can be limitations as to what you can do to cool off quickly without disrupting your job and co-workers. You may not have access to pounds of ice, you could be limited in how many times you can visit the restroom to splash cold water on your face, and corporate policy may dictate a specific dress code that requires a bit more clothing than what works at home.

If you are dealing with hot flashes at work, here are some dos and don’ts which can help you cope, cool down, and keep your sanity while complying with office policies!

DO THIS:

• Keep a personal fan in your desk or purse.
• Dress in layers so you can shed your jacket or sweater.
• Invest in cooling scarfs in a variety of colors.
• Keep a cooling cloth handy that you can place discreetly inside your shirt.
• Drink only iced drinks.
• Rub your cool glass or water bottle across your forehead and neck.
• Keep baby wipes or tissues handy to wipe sweat from your face.
• Lower the temperature in your office.
• Wear your hair off your neck or use a hair tie to pull your hair back.
• Choose salads or cold foods for lunch.
• Keep a change of clothes at work in case you become too wet with sweat.
• Go to meetings early so you can choose the best seat and avoid getting hot from rushing.
• Find ways to discreetly manage stress and relax.
• Take a slow walk during breaks or lunch to help keep you calm and relaxed.
• Think happy thoughts to help keep you in a positive frame of mind.

NOT THAT:

• Don’t use cooling scarfs with water or your clothes will get wet.
• Don’t wear wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics.
• Don’t wear turtlenecks.
• Don’t wear tight fitting clothing.
• Don’t put ice in your bra as it can leave a wet spot.
• Don’t eat hot or spicy foods for breakfast or lunch.
• Don’t drink hot coffee or caffeine for breakfast or at the office.
• Don’t drink alcohol during working hours or at business functions.
• Don’t be late or in a rush which can cause anxiety that can raise your body temperature.
• Don’t forget to take any medications which have been prescribed to help.
• Don't dwell on the negative which can increase anxiety and hot flashes.

Hot flashes on the job can be challenging, but with a bit of creativity you can find workable solutions to help you cope. Friends, family members, and neighbors may also be able to share some creative tips which were successful for them.


This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.



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