I am trying to make WFO (working from outside) the new thing. After all, if WFH has taught me anything, it’s been to welcome the changes. Changing up my place of work and refreshing my surroundings helps me get some of my best work done.

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor space. The weather is nice, and the open-air ignites a very renewed feeling that is especially crucial on those exhausting workdays. I knew that I never wanted to be trapped inside a workspace, and thanks to technology paired with affordable Wi-Fi, working from anywhere is possible. Why not take it outside?

There is no fighting it; working outdoors makes for happier creative. Plus, I spend so much of my time indoors naturally that a little vitamin D could actually do me some good. Natural light has been known to increase productivity by at least 2 percent. A nice view is just not enough, we need to get outside more, even if that means spending just 30 minutes outside.

Here’s how to make your outdoor space more wfh-friendly.

Make Shade A Priority

One thing you’ll immediately notice the moment you take your laptop outside is the instantaneous surrounding of the sun’s overwhelming brightness. It’s harsh, and most of the time, I can’t really see anything on a screen.

My backyard is drenched in sunlight most hours of the day. While I’m grateful for the view, I’ve also come to appreciate the shade. Most of the time, you might have to make your own. A stylish patio umbrella or beautiful pergola can do the trick, but if you’re on a budget, or just looking for a temporary solution, a laptop sunshade and anti-glare screen protector work as well.

Get The Seating Right

As I get older, I notice how much more support my back needs, so any old foldout chair doesn’t really work for me if I’m working outside. I have a sturdy lounge chair that I use along with my lap desk. I take great pride in being comfortable, and if you’re going to be sitting in something for a while, you really should be able to enjoy it.

SPF Forever

Oh yes, you knew this was coming. Even when I work inside, I apply SPF. I’ve made it a habit these days since I never wore SPF or sunscreen when I was younger — something I deeply regret. I’ve been enjoying Beautycounter’s Sunscreen Spray. I keep it by our door so I won’t forget.

Hydrate

Never leave the house without at least a glass of water. If you’ll be spending quite some time working outdoors, then it’s a good idea to invest in a reusable water bottle. I do tend to get bored with just H2O, so I tend to switch up my drinks, but my only rule is no soda. Only something that would be sure to be hydrating…and the occasional glass of lemonade.

Try A “Desk”

A simple flat surface can suffice, but when you’re working outdoors, the space is already foreign. Being able to have a “desk” to depend on out there will help you keep your things together when shifting from in and outside of your home. I’ve never met a standard outdoor patio set that I couldn’t work from.

Make It Fun And Comfortable

Time to add some fun elements to your outdoor space. The goal: make your outside workspace a place that you actually want to be, and will want to continue to go to. That might mean buying a portable fan to take outside with you, or making some aesthetically pleasing tweaks. Embrace your personal style, splash some color and don’t be afraid to get experimental. After all, this is a place for creativity to thrive.

Some WFO essentials:

Featured image via Tumblr