Freelancers and remote employees often complete assignments in a home office, at their kitchen tables, or sitting on their sofas. People rarely set up their workstations on their deck, balcony, or patio. However, there are several benefits that you can enjoy if you move your at-home workspace into the great outdoors.
What are the Benefits of Working from an Outdoor Office?
Tackling your latest project while sitting outside offers several perks besides the fresh air and sunshine. Here are some of the ways in which an outdoor office space can have a positive impact on your mood, focus, mental well-being, and productivity.
Stress Relief
One of the primary benefits of spending time in nature is reduced stress. A study from Cornell University found that being outside for as little as ten minutes can minimize the effects of mental and emotional strain. If you’re struggling with anxiety or working under a lot of pressure, an outdoor office may be the perfect solution for alleviating job-related stress.
Increased Energy
Rather than reaching for that mid-afternoon coffee, why not take your work materials outside instead? Working at a patio table on a bright and sunny day may help to increase your energy and help you feel refreshed. Recharging through nature can be exactly what you need to get through the final stretch of your workday.
Physical Comfort
Sitting in an office chair all day can have a negative effect on your physical health, including joint inflammation, back pain, and compromised posture. Working outside could mean lounging in a comfy poolside chaise or using your bar-height deck table as a standing desk. You could even spread out a blanket and lay back on the lawn when you need to brainstorm for a new project idea.
Better Productivity
It may be hard to believe, but working outside can also increase focus and productivity. Studies suggest that spending twenty minutes in a natural setting can give you a mental reset that improves your concentration. Whether you want to set up shop for a half-hour while going over reports or take a few hours before lunch to soak up the sun, a breath of fresh air can be just the boost you need.
Helps with Memory and Attention
Certain research also finds that time spent outdoors improves memory and attention. One study found that individuals’ memory performance and attention spans improved by twenty percent after spending just one hour outside. Taking your work outdoors is a great way to ensure that your mind remains engaged during the workday and can recall information more easily.
A Happier You
Having a rough day at work? Bring your materials outdoors. Spending time out in the fresh air, for even as little as twenty minutes, can be a great mood-boosting remedy to get you through your afternoon. A sturdy side table or a comfy spot on your lap can be the perfect place to set down your laptop, get your work done, and feel happier while doing it.
Improves Creativity
Our creativity can sometimes suffer due to extended exposure to screen time. However, spending time outdoors allows us to recharge and focus on other things, which can help restore depleted attention circuits. This, in turn, can allow you to feel more creative as your work, which may lead to better results.
Setting Up Your Outdoor Office Space
If you plan on taking your work out to the patio, you’re going to need the right space to do it. From choosing comfortable furniture to sturdy surfaces with enough room for all of your materials, selecting the right pieces and developing your setup is key to maximizing your happiness with the layout. A few ideas to consider when coming up with your outdoor workstation are:
Comfortable furniture: You want to be comfortable while you work, so think about getting chairs or an outdoor bench with weather-resistant padding to keep you content throughout your shift.</li>
Spacious workstation: Additionally, you’ll want a large workspace where you can lay out all of your materials, such as a laptop, phone, and other resources. Sturdy outdoor dining tables or roomy accent tables are great for this.</li>
Weather considerations: If you don’t have a covered patio or a sunporch, investing in pieces like cantilever umbrellas and privacy screens can help protect you from the wind and rain.</li>
Final Thoughts
With many people now having the option to work from home on at least a part-time basis, the opportunity to be outdoors is better than ever. By shifting at least part of your day to the patio, deck, or backyard, you’re opening yourself up to a variety of health benefits along with taking in the beautiful scenery.
