Truth be told: I was not thriving in my corporate office environment. I often felt tired, disorganized, and uninspired.
This became a recipe for chronic anxiety that kept me on the verge of depression and mediocrity throughout the early part of my professional career.
Most days I would hit a wall, reaching a point during my work day when my motivation and ability to stay awake would bottom out.
I was in my 20s, I had plenty of awesome friends in my office, and I reliably completed high-quality work. Something wasn’t adding up, and I remember thinking, what gives?
I knew I needed a solution. Most of my coworkers relied on 4 cups of coffee to sail through their days, but that felt unhealthy for me, not to mention expensive. I had to get creative.
That’s when I started to harness the power of nature to boost my energy, creativity, and productivity during my work day. I followed my instincts and headed for the great outdoors.
Like magic, I gave myself an edge at work. Any time I felt low energy, mind fog, or frustration, I had simple, free tools for gaining energy and clarity (without drinking extra coffee!)
If you’re feeling trapped indoors then chances are that you also need hacks to make nature a part of your everyday work life. I’ll share my best tips with you below.
The Benefits of Time Outdoors for Professionals
As with any habit you wish to adopt, it’s all about mindset. You won’t be successful at incorporating more outdoor time into your work day until you identify your ‘why’ for doing it.
Your personal ‘why’ – the benefit of your effort – becomes your North Star when you are tempted to sit at your desk and scroll through your social media feeds instead of throwing on your coat and heading outside. It will keep you anchored and motivated when old habits try to derail you.
Just as authors Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni wrote in their book Buy What You Love Without Going Broke, “It’s impossible to stick with it if you don’t find enough value in the practice to dedicate to learning the skill.” Granted, their book is about personal finance. But the sentiment still applies.
Get clear on your goals and intentions for incorporating more nature into your daily routine and your capacity to follow through will automatically expand.
For me my ‘why’ was easy: I didn’t want to get fired for falling asleep at my desk! I also wanted to be more healthy and mindful at work.
You might think time outdoors is a weekend luxury, but it’s more than that. Getting outside can revolutionize the way you work and live. It’s not just your imagination – nature has a serious impact on your mind and body. It’s a necessity.
My experience as a professional in the digital age has repeatedly taught me this: when I don’t make a conscious effort to step away from my screens, I feel worse. When I do make the effort, I feel better.
None of this means you need to summit Everest or live in a cabin off the grid. Even small, intentional breaks in green spaces can make a monumental difference. The list below can help you refine your goals and intentions.
Here’s Why Stepping Outside Should be Part of your Work Routine:
1. Boosts Creativity & Focus
Stepping away from screens and notifications gives your brain the reset it craves. Nature lowers mental fatigue, helping you break through creative blocks and regain concentration.
2. Enhances Cognitive Function
Studies show that exposure to nature improves memory, attention span, and mental clarity.
3. Reduces Stress & Prevents Burnout
Green spaces, even small urban parks, lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and boost endorphins, helping you feel calmer and more balanced.
4. Supports Physical Health & Energy Levels
Outdoor movement isn’t just exercise – it’s an energy booster. Bonus: Outdoor workouts burn more calories than indoor ones, and exposure to diverse microorganisms strengthens your immune system.
5. Regulates Sleep & Circadian Rhythms
Sunlight helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed.
6. Strengthens Workplace Relationships
Stepping outside doesn’t have to be a solo mission! Invite office friends to join you outside.
7. Increases Job Satisfaction & Work-Life Balance
Work feels more sustainable when you have built-in moments of joy and fresh air.
Getting outside more consistently sounds like a no-brainer, right? You might be wondering how you can actually start reaping some of these benefits. I’m so glad you asked!
Designing a Work Routine to Prioritize Nature
Whether you’re glued to your desk in an office like I was or you’re working remotely, it’s entirely possible to create a schedule that includes the great outdoors.
Morning Rituals That Connect You to Nature
Start your day grounded. Mornings are a perfect time to embrace fresh air and quiet moments. Here are some rituals that can set a positive tone for the day ahead:
Start your day with a brisk walk outside. Give yourself a small, peaceful moment before the hustle begins. Even a 10-minute loop around your neighborhood works wonders.
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Outdoor stretches or yoga:
Set up a yoga mat on your balcony, backyard, or by an open window. Feeling the breeze and listening to birdsong elevates your exercise in a way that practicing indoors never will.
If you have a garden or patio, bring out a notebook and jot down your morning thoughts surrounded by plants or flowers. Morning light paired with pen-to-paper moments sparks creativity and a calm state of mind.
Integrating just one of these habits can shift how you greet your day, preparing you to tackle work with more clarity and focus.
Outdoor Lunch Breaks
Where you eat might not seem significant, but moving your lunch out of the office or away from your desk can drastically improve your midday energy levels. Forget rushing through a sandwich while scrolling your phone! This is your chance to reconnect outdoors.
If you work from home, take your meal to your backyard or patio. Spread out a blanket, enjoy your food slowly, and soak up some sunshine.
Pack your lunch and head to a nearby park. Even 20-30 minutes on a bench under a tree can serve as a mental reset before you dive back into work tasks.
Pair your meal break with a short walk. Grab a smoothie or something portable – walking while eating might feel new, but it’s perfect for stealing some outdoor minutes during a hectic day.
Creative Outdoor Workspace Ideas
Who says work can’t happen outdoors? (I’m writing this post from my deck!) Taking your laptop or notebook into nature might feel novel, but with a little planning, it’s entirely doable.
One of my favorite memories from college was a time one of my professors looked outside mid-lecture and said, “It’s stunning out there. Let’s continue this conversation on the lawn.” We proceeded to enjoy the rest of class in the sunshine. I’ve been inspired to carry that spontaneity and flexibility into my work life ever since and it’s been one of life’s simplest pleasures for me.
Portable desks, shaded spots in your yard, or even local outdoor cafes with Wi-Fi can become your new favorite workspaces. Experiment and make it fun. Changing your scenery can inspire new ways of thinking and tackling tasks.
Actionable Ways to Incorporate Nature Daily
Enjoying green spaces is not just about grand gestures or day-long outings. You can weave nature into your daily routine with small, intentional actions.
Micro-Adventures Near You
You can find plenty to explore right in your neighborhood or city. These “micro-adventures” bring the thrill of exploration to your regular day, proving that meaningful outdoor experiences don’t require elaborate planning.
Here are some ideas:
Look up nearby trails or nature preserves. Even a 1 or 2-mile loop through a pocket of wilderness can feel like a getaway.
Many cities offer hidden gems like small parks, riverbanks, or botanical gardens. These places may be just minutes from your home or office but can feel like an entirely different world.
If you live in or near a city, find a rooftop or balcony where you can watch the birds, the people, and the horizon.
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Explore your neighborhood:
Walk or bike through parts of your town you’ve never been to before. You might stumble across surprising beauty or your new favorite sandwich shop.
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Historic Monuments & Attractions:
Some of my favorite micro-adventures were spontaneous trips to local museums and attractions. On one lunch hour I (quickly) visited a college nature museum to see dinosaur fossils and during another I visited a small zoo!
Any of these micro-adventures can give you the inspiration and momentum you need to get outside more during your evenings and weekends, too.
Setting Boundaries and Balancing Work and Outdoor Time
Intentions are great, but they’re not everything. You need to anticipate your pitfalls and make plans to overcome them. You can’t enjoy nature if you’re always tethered to your devices. Setting boundaries between work and your outdoor plans is essential.
I schedule my nature breaks in my work calendar. I recommend that you block out time in your calendar for outdoor activities and set reminders, just like you would a meeting or deadline. This shows that connecting with nature isn’t optional – it’s a priority.
And, if possible, leave your phone indoors when stepping out. If you’re worried about missing important calls, set specific boundaries. For example, use airplane mode during your walk or limit phone use to emergencies. Fully immersing yourself in the moment can amplify the benefits of outdoor time.
Remember: while people in your office switch between Outlook, Teams, Instagram, texting, Facebook, Snapchat, Excel, and the like for 8+ hours without stepping outside, you can be in a local park watching birds, stretching on your yoga mat, exploring new trails, and having micro-adventures. You will definitely appreciate your mindful boundaries.
And if you’re having trouble establishing a work-life balance that supports your wellbeing, then it could be an indication that it’s time to pivot.
Conclusion
Building a work routine that supports more time outdoors isn’t just possible – it’s essential for a healthier, happier you. From morning walks and lunch breaks under the sky to scheduling green time in your calendar, small changes can make a big difference.
By choosing one or two of these tips, you can integrate outdoor time without adding stress to your busy schedule. And when your friends and family inevitably ask, “How was your day?” you’ll be excited to share (more like brag!) about the unique experiences you squeezed in and inspire them to wander more.
It’s easier to stick with your old habits, patterns, and routines – especially when it comes to working and screens. Don’t beat yourself up and embark on a magnificent guilt trip when you fall short of your goals. It won’t get your butt out the door. It all comes back to mindset. To quote Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni again, “Believe the difficult changes are worth making. Believe in it enough to devote the time it takes to fall in love with the journey.”
Take that first tiny step to work smarter. Open your window, step outside, or schedule a walk with office friends. You’ll not only feel refreshed but also work better, smarter, and with more clarity. Nature is waiting for you to make it a part of your daily life, so get out there!