For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is definitely here.

I am writing this from a sweltering second-floor apartment in one of North America’s largest cities, with doors and windows flung open in hopes of catching a breeze. The sun has gone down, but the cicadas are still buzzing away in the trees. Whatever “cool” air was salvaged from overnight is long gone. And so, dearest writers and authors, it is hot. A lovely, cool evening temperature of eighty-six degrees. And I know I’m not alone.

Sitting at the computer seems to make it worse. Hours spent in front of electronics that, hellish things they are, give off even more heat as your legs stick to your chair and a fan blows a hot hurricane of air directly into your face. You know you have to keep at it even though you feel like your brain has just stopped functioning in any real capacity.

But there are a couple of tricks for keeping your cool and your focus when it feels too hot.

Practice good hot-weather behavior (obviously)

We have to include these tips because you know there is always someone who skips the basics. It’s always good practice to wear light clothing, keep hydrated, and close your curtains—but leave your windows open for a breeze, unless you’ve managed to trap cool air in your home. Eat lots of fresh veggies and salads (this is a bad time for meat sweats), take cool showers or baths, have a bucket of icy water for dunking your feet, and stay out of the sun.

If you drink, think about taking a pass for a bit, as it not only dehydrates you but can increase your chances for night sweats. Common sense is the most important part of surviving the heat.

Take a day or two off

If you have the luxury and can afford it, this might be a good time for a vacation. But you might just need to call it a day, plonk yourself in front of a fan with a chilled spray bottle in hand, and binge a new series.

It’s OK to take a break from working if you need it, especially when it’s too hot to even think.

Split your workday

Getting up early and working before the heat really gets going and then working in the evenings after the sun has set could be the breather you need. Folks who care for kids or other family members might not have flexible schedules that allow for this, but often the mornings and evenings are cool enough to at least allow you to think.

Hit a café or library

We can always trust businesses and most libraries to have the gloriousness of central air-conditioning. This is a great time to pack up your annoyingly warm laptop and stagger off to cooler climates for a few hours. Grab an icy drink, take a deep breath, and enjoy the full functionality of your cooled brain for a few hours.

Avoid working outdoors

When your home office or work space feels hotter than molten lava, working outside might be tempting. But it’s not as idyllic as it sounds. For one, being in the sun will not only make you hotter, but it could also put you at risk for sunstroke or heatstroke. Working outside will also significantly increase the chances of glare on your screen, and electronics do not love long spells in the sun. If it is significantly cooler to work outside, find a location that is fully shaded the entire time, has a comfortable chair and table, and has a decent breeze. Bonus points for access to cool drinks, outlets, and a spot where insects won’t bug you.

Clock in a few extra hours at work

A lot of us are doing double duty, and that means you might have access to an air-conditioned office. While we would certainly never endorse getting some writing done during regular working hours (heavens, no!), you might be able to sneak in some time to get work done over your breaks or even after hours. But make sure you bring your personal laptop (or whatever you use for writing) and check your contracts or with your bosses. Some companies may specifically forbid nonwork-related projects at the office. And worse, they might even claim ownership over them.

Buddy up at a friend’s house

Being overheated can seriously affect your cognitive abilities, including your motivation. Try scheduling a date with a writer friend or pal who has air-conditioning and doesn’t mind you sitting at their kitchen table and hammering away at your latest writing project. This way, you not only have the comfort of a more temperate work environment, but your chum working next to you should keep you motivated when you feel the urge to procrastinate or wander off.

Of course, your friend might appreciate you washing the dishes and dusting, because who doesn’t love a good procrastinatory clean?

Organize a cool writing group

No, not cool like awesome, but more like a writing group that takes place in air-conditioned homes or cafés, or even poolside. You might know some writers who are sweltering and could use a cool gathering place, and maybe you could even host it yourself. This has the potential to create a comfortable environment where you and your fellow writers and authors can team up, support each other, and not sweat to death. Wins all around.

Hannah Guy lives in Toronto and is a professional writer and copywriter who specializes in books, books, and more books. Follow her on Twitter at @hannorg.