How to Boost Your Workday by Changing Where You Work
Working today from the Adelaide Botanic Garden, I can’t help but notice how much the environment shapes my mood and productivity. There’s something special about working in a place you genuinely enjoy. It’s relaxing, uplifting, and it makes the whole experience of working so much more pleasant.
The first thing I’ve noticed is that a good environment simply makes work more enjoyable. That’s obvious, but it’s worth repeating. The second thing is the boost in energy I get. Personally, I find it much easier to concentrate when I’m surrounded by nature. I know that’s not the case for everyone, but for me, being in a green space helps me focus.
Of course, there are some practical downsides. For example, there aren’t always power outlets in the garden. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don’t. But the beauty of the place more than makes up for it. And it’s just five minutes from my home, which is a real stroke of luck. Maybe you have a botanical garden, a park, or something similar near you. If so, take advantage of it. It’s fantastic how much your surroundings can change your whole outlook.
Being in a place I love, or even just changing my environment from time to time, makes my work feel lighter. It’s like I’m doing two things at once: working and enjoying a walk in nature. Sometimes I take a break for a coffee at a local café, not a big chain but a cozy spot nearby. There’s even a café in the garden itself where I sometimes grab a latte or a flat white. It’s just nice to be in a place that feels good.
Nature is beautiful. The trees are stunning. Sometimes, just taking a moment to admire what’s around you can make a big difference in your day. That’s really the main tip I want to share: go to places that lift you up, places you genuinely like.
Here’s my laptop, right here in the garden. It’s just great to be out in nature. You can do this too. Maybe on Fridays, if your job allows it, you could ask your manager or your team if you can work remotely. These days, remote work is very common, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. You could even take a flight or a bus on Wednesday or Thursday evening and work from another country for a couple of days.
When I lived in Dublin, I’d sometimes go to Sweden, Norway, Iceland, or Finland for a change of scenery. I love the Nordic countries, but you could just as easily go to Denmark, Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, or Malta. Book an Airbnb near the beach if you’re somewhere warm, or a little cabin if you’re up north. Work remotely on Thursday and Friday, then enjoy the weekend in a new place.
Yes, it can be a bit expensive, but life is short. The money you have is meant to be used, not just saved endlessly. Sometimes we get caught up in always wanting more, but are we really happy right now? That’s what matters most. If you’re always saving but not enjoying your life, what’s the point? You never know how long you have, so it’s important to make the most of it if you can.
Optimizing your happiness is key. You’ll always find ways to save, but being happy now can actually make you more creative and productive. You might even come up with better business ideas or perform better at work, which could lead to a promotion. When you’re happy and in a great environment, you give your best, and often, the money follows.
Of course, this isn’t possible for everyone, but if it’s an option for you—especially if you’re an engineer, designer, or freelancer—give it a try. The trees here are just amazing. I really encourage you to try this, even just once.
I remember working from a cabin in Norway. It was incredible. Sure, after landing at the airport, there’s sometimes a bus ride or two, but that’s part of the adventure. Once you arrive, you work well on Thursday and Friday, and for me, I was always more productive. In winter, with the fireplace crackling, it was just perfect.
So, my suggestion is simple: try working from a place you love, even just once. See how it feels. In the end, the goal is to love your life and make the most of every day. You’ll do better work and achieve more if your daily routine is something you truly enjoy. A beautiful life is just a collection of beautiful days.
The goal of life is to love your life and savor every golden moment.
— Pierre
Key Takeaways
- Your work environment can make a huge difference in your mood, focus, and energy.
- Try working from places you genuinely enjoy, especially if you can be close to nature.
- Don’t be afraid to spend a little to improve your daily life—happiness now is worth it.
- If your job allows, experiment with remote work from new locations, even if just for a day or two.
- A great life is built from great days—optimize your daily routine for joy.
Reflection
- Where do you feel happiest and most productive?
- Could you try working from a new environment, even just once?
- Are you making the most of your days, or just waiting for “someday”?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Money #Nature #Nomad #Productivity #Remote Work #Wellbeing #Work Environment