How Can You Start Working Outside?
If you have a remote job, you can work practically anywhere. For most people, that means working in the comfort of a home office or a local coworking space with robust amenities. But even if you have the best possible indoor workspace, you might find yourself longing for fresh air, sunshine, and the other benefits of being outdoors.
What exactly do you need to work outside? And how can you get started?
The Right Place
Obviously, you’ll need some sort of amenable location for your work. If you have a sizable backyard, a patio, or a porch, you may already have what you need. If you don’t have much property to call your own, or if you don’t like your outdoor area for other reasons, you can consider working at a local park, or someone else’s property.
Electricity and Internet
Most people working remotely are going to need access to both electricity and the internet. That means you need to ensure your outdoor working space has an electrical outlet where you can plug in and charge your most important devices. If you’re working from home, your Wi-Fi network might easily reach your yard; otherwise, you might need a mobile hotspot. Many modern parks now have free Wi-Fi, but you’ll need to exercise caution when using public networks.
Temperature/Atmosphere Controls
It’s not always comfortable outside, so you need to make accommodations to maximize your own comfort when working outside. For example, a patio heater can help you stay cozy well into autumn and even winter. A simple desk fan can help you stay cool in the summer, especially if there’s not already a natural breeze. And a patio umbrella or an awning can provide shade on even the hottest days.
Comfortable Furniture
Most of us work better when we have comfortable furniture to support our materials and enforce proper posture. Fortunately, there are plenty of outdoor furniture options to provide you with these accommodations. Choose a chair and a table that allow you to sit with perfect posture quite comfortably – and avoid reclining chairs or other pieces of furniture that might make you too relaxed.
Pest Plans
From natural bug repellants to hanging traps, there are countless ways of dealing with outdoor pests, but you’ll need at least some of these products and strategies in place if you’re going to be outside for any significant length of time. This is especially important if you plan on bringing foods and beverages outside, since these items naturally attract more bugs.
Glare Protection
Next, consider investing in some glare protection. Depending on where you’re seated and how bright it is, glare from the sun can easily obstruct your screens and make it almost impossible to work. Turning up the brightness on your screen can mitigate the issue, but you may be in need of something more powerful, like a glare-resistant screen protector or special glasses designed to filter out glare. Alternatively, you can find a place to sit that’s adequately shielded from direct light.
A Notebook (and Pen/Pencil)
It’s also a good idea to bring a notebook and a pen or pencil with you. If your internet connection unexpectedly cuts out, or if it starts to rain and you have to put your electronic devices away, you’ll be glad you have this backup mechanism for taking notes. You may not be able to complete much work using only a conventional paper notebook, but you’ll at least be able to finish your current thoughts, write up your next to-do list items, and prepare for the next phase of your workday.
Good Headphones
Some people who work outside benefit from the purchase of noise-canceling headphones. These headphones are designed to cancel out wavelengths of sound that occur externally, providing the listener with a much more insulated and quiet listening experience. Whether you want to listen to your favorite music in peace, or you just want to filter out external chatter, these are generally a good investment.
Sun Protection
Even in perfect conditions, you can suffer a sunburn in less than 60 minutes. At a high enough UV index, you can burn in less than 10 minutes. Accordingly, you should have a plan for sun protection in place, even on overcast days. Any kind of shade is going to be helpful, and in most situations, you’ll benefit from wearing sufficiently high SPF sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to wear UV-protective sunglasses.
Working outside can be an absolute pleasure, but you need to be adequately prepared for it if you’re going to stay productive and protected. As long as you already have a space, you’ll only need a few upgrades and investments to create a thriving outdoor workspace that can accommodate you.
