How spending time outdoors will grow your career

How spending time outdoors will grow your careerHow spending time outdoors will grow your careerIt may not be the most important thing on your to-do list every day, but getting outside should be added somewhere near the top. Being outside gives you the chance to push pause on everything thats happening in your life and gain a new perspective.Did you know that it can also benefit your career?Nature is a great tool to use to jumpstart your work life, and it all starts by stepping outside.Improve your memoryWeve all had that moment when we walk into a room, then pause and try to remember what we went there for. The outdoors can help stop that from happening. According to astudy done by the University of Michigan, students who walked through an arboretum performed 20% better on a memory test than students who walked around a city. Being outside triggered the students minds to retain information better, so why wouldnt it help you when youre taking notes at a big meeting?Consider eating lu nch outside the next time you go on break. If you cant adjust your schedule to include a step outside, try using an app to play nature sounds at your desk.Sharpen your focusOne of the side effects of leading a busy life is being overstimulated most of the time. Your brain becomes tired, so your mood turns sour and your work life suffers. Let your mind take a vacation by taking a nearby hike, and youll find yourattention levels will be sharperthe next time you walk into work. Sometimes we all just need a breather - and that includes your brain, too.A better way to give yourself time with nature is to live near it. If possible, choose a living space surrounded by trees or parks. You can evenbuild your own log cabin with a kit. If you have the chance, consider moving a bit farther from the city. Your mind will thank you, and youll find yourself responding to work issues with much better focus and clarity than before.Inspire creativityWhen your brain has a moment to relax, youll find y ourself thinking in new ways. Being outside actually challenges your brain to get more creative with thought processes, as shownina study by David L. Strayer. When subjects were immersed in nature for four days with no ability to use multimedia or technology, there was a 50% increase in creativity and problem-solving skills.Leaving technology behind for four straight days may not be possible with your work schedule, but you can experience the same results. Taking a hike alone is a great option, but you can disconnect from technology for a few minutes for a similar effect. Or consider playing a nature video and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds. It wont be as great as actually being outside, but its something to try if you need some inspiration.Learn to be engagedPeople who work all day tend to become tired around three in the afternoon. Their energy levels plummet, so theyre less likely to engage with coworkers or customers. Sound familiar? Going outside can help prevent it from happening. The key is oxygen. Breathing the air outdoors will circulate fresh oxygen into your bloodstream, whichquickly improves energy levels.When the body receives oxygen, you feel better. Itll have the same effect as taking a walk, but without having to rearrange your day. Consider opening a window while you work. If thats not an option, find an excuse to take a quick trip to your car. The short walk in the fresh air will help you jump at the chance to tackle a project or engage in a meeting, so ultimately your work life will benefit along with your body.Life can get busy, and nature is a great way to help you slow down and stay calm. Whether you move to the mountains or open a window, nature will show you that it can do more than change your mood. The outdoors can be helpful for your career if you find a way to incorporate it into your daily life.This article first appeared on YourCoffeeBreak.