UAE summer, no travel plans and everyone’s on leave? 7 mood-lifting ways to brighten your workdays

Nothing feels quite as brutally unfair as being stuck at your desk while your friends flood Instagram with shots from Paris to Istanbul. You growl at the one paragliding over cliffs, and glare with quiet rage at the one casually devouring gelato in Italy. And don’t even get started on the friend who just had to see the Grand Canyon.

That one stings a little more.

But hey, you didn’t make summer plans this year, life happens. So while you're scrolling through staycation ideas and dodging FOMO in group chats, here are a few ways to sprinkle a bit of cheer into your workspace. It won’t fix your wanderlust, but it might just make the workdays a little brighter.

So, here are our tips, based on some research and past conversations with experts.

Bring some leafy vibes in,  low-maintenance succulents or a sassy little cactus will freshen up your space and fool your brain into thinking you’re somewhere tropical.

Say goodbye to dull office gear. Swap your boring pens and sticky notes for neon-bright goodies that scream summer fun. Your desk should look like it’s ready for a party, even if it’s just a party of one.

USB fans and mini-humidifiers are your new best friends. Add a diffuser blasting zesty citrus or peppermint and suddenly that stuffy office smells like a spa, minus the massage.

Swap those harsh lights for warm fairy lights or a soft LED lamp. It’s like giving your eyes a vacation. You need the rest.

Photo frames, quirky toys, or a mini Zen garden, whatever floats your boat and keeps you sane when your brain’s begging for mercy. When deadlines hit, just stare at your little desk friend and smile.

Keep a cool insulated bottle nearby and sip like you’re at a fancy resort. Dehydration? Not on your watch.

When everyone else is out living their best lives, sneak away for quick stretches or a mini meditation. Your mind will thank you for the getaway, even if your body’s stuck at the desk.

So, while the UAE basks in sunshine, you can have your own slice of summer bliss — right at your desk. With these cheeky hacks, you’ll breeze through the season looking (and feeling) cooler than everyone else.