Why Changing Scenery While Working May Be the Productivity Hack You Are Missing
Even if it means moving from your desk to your bed to the couch
Some days, I have the attention span of a goldfish. No matter how hard I try to concentrate or how many productivity hacks I use, I can’t seem to do anything productive. Often, I then end up on my phone, scrolling through social media, the constant overstimulation finally quieting my brain.
A few days ago, the same thing happened. However, I had a big deadline that I urgently needed to finish and just couldn’t afford to not concentrate. I got nothing done until I decided to take my laptop to lunch with me, which I often have on my terrace.
It was a last-ditch attempt to get something done and lo and behold — it worked.
Somehow simply switching my work location, even if it just meant moving to a different room, allowed my brain to quiet for a while and concentrate.
I was fascinated. Why did that just work?
The ‘Coffee Shop Effect’
When I came across the article describing this phenomenon as the ‘Coffee Shop Effect’, I felt seriously seen and heard.
It all boils down to the fact that our brains love anything new, which again is linked to the “shiny object syndrome”:
A continual state of distraction brought on by an ongoing belief that there is something new worth pursuing.
So basically, the change of scenery fulfills that urge to experience something new and exciting, at least for a little while.
When looking for coffee shops specifically, I always:
- check the reviews for whether they have Wi-Fi
- Look at images to gage the environment and atmosphere
- Browse the drinks menu — is it ridiculously expensive or does it have that drink I’m craving?
There is no point in going to a packed coffee shop with no Wi-Fi, so do your research.
Why Changing Scenery Works
Studies show that a monotone work environment leads to mistakes in your work and overall unhappiness with the outcome.
Especially when I work from home, I see the same room for 90% of my work day with little distraction from other people, etc. It’s nothing but monotone. No wonder my brain turns off eventually.
It’s also been shown that changing habits is easier when you are changing your environment.
Meaning that my cycle of associating my workroom with unproductivity and scrolling on social media can only be broken by removing myself from the environment.
If you aren’t able to do so within your own home, here are some of my favourite alternatives:
- Libraries — these are quiet, usually have great internet, and just put me in the right mindset to work
- Internet Cafes — especially if they have cute decorations and great snacks
- Museums and Public Spaces with the Internet — When I lived in London, every museum, art space, etc. had free Wi-Fi which often made for great work environments
- University Common Areas — If you have a university near you, check out if they have spaces accessible to the public. They are often great places to work
- Co-working spaces — the best thing about these is that you also meet other like-minded people who can hold you accountable or be a source of inspiration
The Power of the Outdoors
Part of the reason my balcony helped me focus so effectively is because it is (duh) outdoors.
Just by being surrounded by nature, the benefits are numerous. Studies have found lowered stress and cortisol levels, improved blood pressure and heart rate as well as better overall concentration.
It’s been shown that just having office plants has much of the same effect.
So, the next time you feel stuck, try to find a space with a little more greenery!
So, the next time you are lacking focus or inspiration, try switching scenery or even just move to a new room. If you have an outdoor space that you can work in, that’s even better.
What are your favorite tricks for staying focused?
