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Hot flashes have terrible timing.
You can be answering emails, sitting in a meeting, or working through your afternoon to do list when suddenly it feels like someone turned the temperature up about 20 degrees.
And when you're at work, you can't exactly change into pajamas, crank up the air conditioning, or stand in front of the freezer.
That's why keeping a few hot flash friendly essentials at your desk can make a big difference in how comfortable and prepared you feel throughout the workday.
Here are nine desk essentials worth keeping nearby for those why is it suddenly so hot in here? moments.
1. Quiet Rechargeable Desk Fan
If you only add one thing to your desk, make it a fan.
A small rechargeable or USB desk fan gives you your own personal breeze without having to negotiate over the office thermostat.
Look for one with multiple speed settings, an adjustable angle, and, most importantly for an office, quiet operation. A compact model also won't take up much valuable desk space.
Why it's useful: You can turn it on as soon as you start feeling warm rather than waiting for the hot flash to pass.
2. Insulated Water Bottle or Tumbler
There's something especially refreshing about having ice-cold water within arm's reach when you're suddenly feeling overheated.
A good insulated tumbler or water bottle can keep your drink cold for hours, so you don't have to make repeated trips to the break room.
Choose one that's large enough to get you through a good portion of your workday but still fits comfortably on your desk.
Why it's useful: Cold water is always nearby, and having a bottle sitting in front of you can also be a helpful reminder to drink throughout the day.
3. Portable Handheld Fan
Your desk fan is great until you have to leave your desk.
That's where a small rechargeable handheld fan comes in.
Keep one in your desk drawer or work bag for meetings, lunch breaks, conferences, commuting, or anywhere else you can't bring your desk fan.
Some portable fans can even fold up and double as a tabletop fan, giving you another option when you're away from your regular workspace.
Why it's useful: Hot flashes don't limit themselves to your desk.
4. Cooling Towel
A cooling towel takes up very little space, making it an easy addition to a desk drawer.
Depending on the type you purchase, you may simply need to wet it, wring it out, and place it around the back of your neck for a quick cooling sensation.
Look for something compact and reusable that comes with a storage pouch so you aren't tossing a damp towel directly into your desk drawer.
Why it's useful: It's inexpensive, reusable, and easy to keep tucked away until you need it.
5. Facial Mist
A small facial mist can provide a refreshing pick-me-up when you're feeling hot and uncomfortable.
Keep a travel-size bottle in your desk and give your face or neck a light spritz when you need it.
If you wear makeup to work, look for a fine mist that's suitable for use over makeup.
Why it's useful: It's small enough to keep at your desk and can help you feel refreshed without leaving your workspace.
6. Facial Blotting Papers
Sometimes the hot flash ends, but the shiny forehead doesn't.
Blotting papers are one of those tiny desk-drawer products you may be very happy you remembered to buy.
They're designed to absorb excess oil and moisture without requiring you to completely redo your makeup. Slip a pack into your desk drawer, purse, or laptop bag.
Why they're useful: They're discreet, portable, and perfect for freshening up before your next meeting.
7. Individually Wrapped Body Wipes
For those particularly sweaty days, body wipes can be another useful item to keep tucked away.
Individually wrapped wipes are especially convenient for work because they don't take up much space and won't dry out after you open a large package.
Keep a few in your desk drawer or work bag for those moments when you'd simply like to freshen up.
Why they're useful: They're an easy way to feel refreshed after getting overheated, especially when you have somewhere else to be.
8. Reusable Cooling Gel Pack
If your workplace has a refrigerator or freezer available, consider keeping a small reusable cooling pack at work.
A flexible gel pack can be especially convenient because it can be placed against the back of your neck for a few minutes when you're feeling particularly warm.
Choose a compact version with a soft or fabric exterior or keep a small cloth nearby so you're not placing a frozen pack directly against your skin.
Why it's useful: It's another simple cooling option for days when your desk fan isn't quite enough.
9. Lightweight Cardigan or Wrap
Wait. Aren't we trying to cool down?
Yes, but if you've experienced the strange temperature roller coaster of feeling unbearably hot one minute and chilly shortly afterward, you already understand this one.
Instead of wearing a heavy sweater all day, keep a lightweight cardigan or wrap over your chair.
You can easily put it on when you're cold and remove it the second you start feeling warm again.
Why it's useful: Layers give you more control when your internal thermostat can't seem to make up its mind.
Create a Hot Flash Desk Kit
Instead of waiting until you're having one of those days, consider putting together a small hot flash kit and leaving it at work.
You don't need all nine items. Start with the things that would be most useful for you.
A simple kit might include:
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Rechargeable desk fan
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Insulated water bottle
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Portable fan
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Cooling towel
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Blotting papers
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A couple of individually wrapped body wipes
Put the smaller items into a little pouch in your desk drawer and you'll have everything together when you need it.
A More Comfortable Workday
You may not be able to control when a hot flash decides to show up, but you can make your workspace a little more prepared for one.
Even something as simple as having a fan pointed toward your desk and a cold drink nearby can make those sudden is anyone else hot in here? moments easier to manage.
Start with one or two essentials that fit your work environment and build your desk kit from there.
And if your coworker keeps asking why you have two fans?
You can always tell her you're simply very committed to workplace climate control.