If you’ve been following this site for a while, you’ve likely heard us talk about the benefits of taking breaks outside. Not only is Vitamin D and fresh air energizing, but it’s also amazing for happiness—which is why I’ve been taking advantage of it all summer long. Taking short walks outside when I need a boost, choosing an outside table at lunch, and something else that’s really changing my work days, which I want to share with you today.
Challenge: Do a task outside
That’s right! I’ve been making it a routine to tackle afternoon emails and phone calls outside. Right around 2 p.m. is usually when my motivation and energy wavers, so this change of scenary is definitely welcomed. There’s just something different about listening to trees, birds, even cars on the streets vs. being chained to my desk indoors.
I know not everyone has a flexible work schedule or space, and I’m very lucky to work from home, but I challenge you to find a way. Can you take calls from a patio at your office? Walk while you talk? Set up a meeting at a local coffee shop instead of a conference room? Answer emails from your phone at a nearby park? Plan your to-do list while sipping coffee in your yard before leaving?
Hopefully most people can carve out 20 minutes to take a work task outside. If not, talk to your boss—show them the benefits of being outside and what task you plan to complete. They might be a lot more flexible than you think!
10 comments
I couldn’t see myself working outside, though! I think I work best when I’m in my “working area”. Plus, I hate bugs and I hate that I have to turn the laptop screen brightness all the way up to the highest. Haha!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Oh how I love to work outside, I need a lot less breaks when I do that! Unfortunately it’s getting cold here again so that won’t be possible for too long
Lucie, xx
http://thefrenchpier.blogspot.com/
Getting outside, even if it’s just for a short amount of time, is so beneficial! I notice a change in my energy and mood after being in the sun for a bit. Where I live, it’s been dreadfully hot and all I’ve been craving is AC…but once the heat dies down, I’ll definitely be taking some tasks to the outdoors!
Mia | http://www.verymuchmia.com
I will do this 🙂
With the weather cooling off and bugs going out of the picture, I can totally picture myself doing this more often. Love this!
I love your sincerity and your love for healthylife
I love being able to get up from my desk and take a walk outside it really does make me more motivated.
xoxo
Stacey
@stylingsofstacey | http://staceylyynn.wixsite.com/stylingsofstacey
I really have to try to do the same 🙂
Miki x
https://littletasteofbeauty.blogspot.it/
I love the idea! Unfortunately, in Denmark that can be challenging (rainy and cloudy weather). However, I will follow your advice and take some of the tasks outside. Caffe spaces are really cozy over here and I need a change of scenery sometimes.
Lovely post 🙂
Best,
Miha
https://mihabalan.com/
When I worked in an office, I would take a walk outside during my lunch break every day, even if the weather wasn’t so nice. My rule was if it was above 20 degrees and it wasn’t precipitating, I had to go out. I usually just called my mom or listened to podcasts, but it seriously helped me to get through the day.