If You Want to Spend More Time Outdoor Try This

I have spent decades of my life working in an office. I have basically lived inside a plain, windowless building for the past few years. While I have to be inside for work and don’t have much choice, that office has seriously started to drive me crazy. 

I have never really been an outdoorsy person until being outside daily wasn’t an option. All of a sudden, I started to crave the fresh air and to be in nature. So, I decided to make a serious change and start spending more time outside on a regular basis. 

I want to tell you all about how I broke out of that office space and finally got the fresh air I needed. So, what exactly did I do? I simply brought my work outside. Here is how I did it. 

How to Work At An Office Job But Still Be Outside

The easiest way to be outside more while still working is to just bring your laptop outside. This is the simplest and most impactful change that I have made. One day, I grabbed my laptop and headed out to the green space in front of my building instead of staying at my desk. The fresh air and natural light made a huge difference not just in how I felt but in how I worked. I swear that I am more productive and focused when I am breathing in fresh air rather than being in a stuffy office. 

The beauty of working with a laptop is that you’re not tied to one spot. At this point, I’ve worked in parks, on patios, at coffee shops with outdoor seating, and even at the beach (though sand and electronics don’t mix well, so be careful there). The key is finding a spot with decent wifi or, better yet, downloading what you need beforehand so you can work offline. You can also turn on your phone’s wifi and connect your computer to your phone’s internet. 

I also invested in a portable laptop stand and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. The stand keeps me from hunching over, and the headphones help me focus when the outside world gets a little noisy. If it’s sunny, I bring a pair of sunglasses and find some shade to avoid glare on the screen. There are plenty of ways to overcome the challenges of outside work and make it just as comfortable, if not more so, than sitting in an office.

In addition to bringing my laptop out, I have also started taking my lunch breaks outside. I used to eat at my desk, scrolling through emails or rushing through a sandwich while staring at my computer. It was mind-numbing, and honestly, I wasn’t even enjoying my food or relaxing during my break.

These days, I really make it a point to eat outside whenever I can. I try to bring my lunch to a park or go to a café with outdoor seating. On other days, I’ll just sit on a bench outside my office and enjoy the sun on my face while I eat. There’s something about being outdoors that helps you decompress and come back to work with a clearer head. If you’re with coworkers or friends, it’s a great way to bond without the sterile feel of the white office lunchroom.

Now, I think you’re going to love this one—meetings outside! One of the best decisions I made was moving meetings and calls outside whenever possible. If I have a virtual meeting, I’ll take my laptop to a shaded table outside or use my phone and headphones while walking. I suggest meeting at cafés with outdoor seating for all my in-person meetings instead of a stuffy conference room.

I honestly look forward to meetings now that a meeting means outside time. There’s something about moving and talking at the same time that makes the ideas flow and I really think my meetings are more productive now.

I also discovered coworking spaces, which are pretty trendy right now. These shared buildings often have patios, rooftop decks, and outdoor areas where you can set up shop for the day. I find this is a great option for days when I don’t have to go to the office, but I also don’t want to be stuck in my house. It’s a nice balance of having a professional workspace while still enjoying the outdoors.

Even if you don’t have access to a coworking space, you can check out libraries or community centers where you may be able to set up shop for the day. You should definitely explore your local area and find some outdoor work spots that fit your needs.

Plan Your Work Day Around The Outdoors

I found that being intentional about working outside makes all the difference. Instead of just hoping I’d find time to go outdoors, I’d plan specific days or times to work outside.

I might schedule Monday afternoons to work at the park or Friday mornings to set up on a café patio. It’s a small thing, but having a plan ensures that I actually follow through. And when the weather’s nice, I jump at the chance to take as much of my work outside as possible.

Of course, working outside isn’t always perfect. Weather can definitely be unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny, and the next, it’s windy or raining. I always check the forecast before heading out or before planning meetinsg outside. I’ve also learned to keep a light jacket and a small umbrella in my bag, just in case.

Noise can also be an issue, especially in busy areas. That’s where my noise-canceling headphones come in handy. They block out distractions and help me stay focused, even if there’s a lot happening around me.

Working Outside Is Worth It

Since I started working outside more often, I’ve noticed a huge difference in how I feel. I’m more energized, less stressed, and way more productive than I ever was when I was stuck inside all day. There’s something about being surrounded by nature and hearing the birds and feeling the breeze that just makes work a whole lot more bearable.

I highly recommend grabbing your laptop and going outside to work. You will love it so much more than being in an office.