Reconnecting With the Great Outdoors: Why Taking Work Breaks Outside Is the Right Way to Go

Working means you lose a lot of energy concentrating on that certain task. A break offers you the opportunity to rest for a while, and get back some of that energy. However, taking a break outside offers you even more benefits than a regular break. Let's find out why.

Taking a Break Outside Boosts Your Happiness Level

The light from the sun is a wonder. It maintains life on Earth, and keeps on giving to those living things. Besides the fact that it can give you a beautiful, natural tan, the sun can also make you happier. Research found that people who spend time outside in the sunlight have more positive emotions than those who don't.

You Can Relax Like Never Before

It's hard to relax while taking your break at your office. With the computer right in front of you, all the tasks you have to finish are right there under your nose. If you manage to fight the urge of finishing them while on break, you're still going to be followed by the guilt that you're not working on them. Plus, surfing the Internet isn't the best way to relax. If you go outside, however, you can break loose from the work you have to get done. You can clear your mind walking, or enjoy reading a good book. This way, you're going to have a lot more energy for when you begin working again.

Going Outside Improves Your Memory and Attention

One of the most important things at work is the ability to stay focused. The better you're able to concentrate on your task, the better and faster you're going to get it done. Having a good memory is also very helpful. You can save time by remembering things you would otherwise have to write down. Research done at the University of Michigan showed that spending as little as 20 minutes outdoors had positive effects on memory and attention. However, subjects showed this result only while walking on rural streets. So, if you can, take your break in a park.

Take Down the Stress

It only follows that if going outside is a good way of relaxing, it should also fight stress. However, this isn't the only benefit. Spending some time outdoors also helps boost your immunity to stress. It means that you're going to be able to deal with problems more efficiently. This is much better than worrying constantly. Less stress will do wonders for your work, and it will also have a positive impact on your health. People who stress less are healthier. This is particularly true when comparing individuals with chronic stress to those with little to no stress. Taking your breaks outside is decidedly better than taking them inside. Even if the weather seems to be quite bad, get your umbrella or a warm jacket and go outside. You're going to feel refreshed and ready to take on the remaining hours at work! Interested in renting a virtual office? To find out more information, such as areas where they are available, please visit http://www.yourcityoffice.com.