As the weather gets nicer, you might feel the pull to be outside more – and that’s great! Being outside and spending time in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety. You might want to take your laptop somewhere outside to work – whether that’s a coffeeshop, your backyard, or a picnic table in a park. A change of scenery is good for anyone.
We have some suggestions, for anyone making plans to take your workspace outside, that can make your experience more pleasant.
Choose somewhere cool and shady. There’s nothing more annoying than that sunlight glare on your laptop screen that pretty much renders it impossible to see the display. That difficulty can also cause eyestrain and headaches, not to mention that being in direct sun can cause your laptop to overheat. Overheating depletes battery life and can cause problems with the computer. Try to work outside either early in the morning or later in the day. A good rule of thumb is this: if it’s uncomfortably hot for you, it’s likely too hot for your computer. Try to find a spot under a canopy, under an overhang, or work under an umbrella.
Set up your space wisely. It might be tempting to lounge on a chaise with your laptop on your legs, but that’s not practical. Find a table and chair that is comfortable enough for you to work for several hours and allow you to focus. Make sure there’s space to set up your laptop, your mouse, your beverage (stay hydrated!), and anything else you might need, like your planner, research materials, or books.
Make sure you have Wi-Fi. Even if you’re just in your backyard, the signal might not be strong or reliable. Think about installing a Wi-Fi mesh-networking system to ensure you don’t have missed Zoom calls or an unreliable internet connection while you’re doing research. You might also want to purchase a lightweight portable power station, which can charge your laptop, phone, and other electronics while you are outdoors – it’s pretty much like a big battery with ports and outlets.
Be mindful of the outdoors. You’re outside, so there are bugs. Keep insect repellent handy, and if you have a desk fan, set that up if possible – this can help keep mosquitoes away and keep you cooler. If street traffic is an issue, noise-canceling headphones can tune all of that out. And of course, if you have seasonal allergies, don’t forget allergy medicine! Better yet, on days with high pollen counts, it might be better to stay indoors.
Don’t forget about yourself! If you’re working outside, don’t forget to take precautions for you, as well. Even if you’re in the shade, wear weather-appropriate clothing, make sure you stay hydrated, put on sunscreen, wear a hat, and have sunglasses on hand.
Here at Dissertation Editor, we love working outside as much as you do, so we hope you get the chance to work in the fresh air this summer! We offer a range of services, for both professional and academic projects, to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can be of assistance.
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