Utilizing the Outdoors
Few years have had a greater impact on what we do and how we do it than 2020 and it appears there may be some overflow into 2021. It has been a stressful time, but a great opportunity to try new methods for achieving the same goals. While the conditions could have been more ideal, we are excited to be able to help guide you through the changes we are currently experiencing in how we live life and do business. Over the next several days we will be introducing our “Working From Home Guide” to try and give you steps and ideas of how to make the “new normal” work.
Remember when it was ok to be out and about? Yeah, we don’t either to be honest. Probably one of the toughest adjustments we have all had to make due to Covid-19 is spending more time in our own space and less time elsewhere.
This new way of life can be lonely at times and unhealthy (ironic) if not done correctly. Being sedentary in your house may save you from Corona Virus, but at the risk of increased depression, lack of productivity and can even reach as far as heart/weight issues. One good way to help combat this is to spend as much time outdoors as you possibly can.
The benefits of spending time outside during quarantine are numerous, starting with your mental health.
It’s easy to start feeling blue when you are trapped among the same four walls day-in and day-out after being used to going places and seeing people. Just going outside in your backyard or balcony to breath some fresh air can work wonders on your mood while keeping you safely quarantined. A little sunlight can make the stress you have been feeling melt away and the change of scenery can recharge your energy making you more productive at work.
Some other benefits you will reap from spending time outside aside from curing the Covid Blues include:
1. Several studies have proven your short-term memory gets a boost from taking nature walks. One study at the University of Michigan showed students who took a walk at an arboretum vs. out in the city did 20% better on a memory test than the first time they took it.
2. Spending time in nature also helps reduce inflammation that can stir up a whole bunch of problems from autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, depression and cancer.
3. Enjoying the great outdoors can also do wonders for eliminating “mental fatigue”. Studies have shown that “awe” factor you get when looking at a natural landscape that can give you the boost you need to get your work done.
4. You could also see your cognitive function increase after spending some time in nature. A different study showed people that immersed themselves in nature for four days boosted their performance on a creative problem-solving test by 50%.
To get the most out of the benefits of being outside (especially while working from home) setting up an outdoor office space could be just the ticket. Not everyone has a lot of, or any space to work with, but if you can swing it here are a few things to consider.
First and foremost, find a nice, shady spot to set up shop. This is beneficial for a few reasons. One, you want to be comfortable while working. Two, nobody loves glare on their computer that makes it impossible to see what you are doing and three, if it is too hot for you, it is probably too hot for your computer too. Nothing will ruin your day quicker than computer malfunctions due to your computer overheating.
It will also be important to make transitioning from inside to outside and visa versa as seamless as possible. The less irritating it is for you to utilize different spaces the more likely you are to use them. One thing that can help you transition from an inside office to an outdoor one easily is portability. What we mean by that is having your computer and supplies all in one place that can easily be moved at one time. That can be in the form of a tray, portable desk or even a backpack.
Making sure you have enough power at your disposal will also save a few headaches. If you can, pick a spot that is close enough to get a good WiFi signal and close to a good source of power. On the off-chance you don’t have a great spot close to those things you can invest in a lightweight portable power source that will help you keep your equipment charged and running for hours.
For more information on the benefits of working outdoors and setting up an outdoor office follow the links below.