Try Green-Desking

Try Green Desking Next Week During 'Work For Nature' Week April 18 - 24

Next time you’re feeling a bit drowsy, consider stepping outside instead of having that next cuppa.  Because just 20 minutes in the great outdoors has the same effect on your mental alertness, as coffee.  Make it even more powerful by stepping out with Earthing Shoes on!

I was listening to a radio station the other day and learnt that, The Nature Conservancy Environmental Organisation (TNC) is trying to encourage Office workers and corporations to start ‘green-desking’ or spend time out in the fresh air during their work day.  “We spend a lot of time indoors – in our cars, in our offices, at home, on trains, and less and less time outdoors,” he said. “And we’re losing that connection with nature that makes us feel happy and productive at work. We’re asking Australians to just spend one hour during the week of April 18 to 24, doing their work outside.” Says, Event organiser, Rich Gilmore, the country Director of TNC.

I must say, this is wonderful to hear other people promoting our connection to nature and the Earth and how it can naturally help us.  The event organiser Rich Gilmore, has said that the week aims to help improve the wellbeing of Australians, particularly those who work inside, through the power of simple time in nature.

The reason?  Because the more time we spend indoors, the worse our wellbeing and productivity.  Hey, us Earthers already know that!  That’s why we use our Earthing Mats!

 

Too Much Time Inside Is Making Us Sluggish

 

“Science is starting to backup now the sort of things that we intuitively know,” Gilmore says. “It makes you feel happier being outside. But it also makes you more productive. In terms of your energy levels, just being outside for 20 minutes has about the same effect on your stimulation as a cup of coffee."

“You just feel better and work better when you’ve spent that time outside reconnecting with nature.”

 

Benefits of spending time outside include:

  • Sharper, clearer thinking
  • Reduced stress levels
  • Reduced heart rate
  • Better physical and mental health
  • Improved short-term memory
  • More mental energy
  • Increased creativity

 

Try Green-Desking and Walking Meetings

 

For most of us it's not feasible to be able to have extended lunch breaks walking through bushland or going for a swim at the beach, however, there are a few things we can do to get that nature break.

Try these ideas for working in nature: 

 

  • Spend time “Green-desking” – working from a laptop / tablet at a park or beach

  • Hold meetings outdoors in the courtyard instead of the boardroom

  • Take a notepad and pen to a nature reserve to brainstorm for your next project

  • Have an outdoor, “walking meeting” – talking while walking

  • Catch a train and walk to work instead of driving

  • Spend your lunch break outside instead of in the lunchroom

  • Kick your shoes off when taking a break at the park or beach

 

I would just like to add, if you have the opportunity, slip your shoes off and let your feet soak up those beautiful electrons from the earth, calming down your brain and making you even more productive.

Rich Gilmore said he’s personally experienced the increased productivity that comes from “walking meetings” with his staff.

“Walking meetings are much more productive than just sitting down across a table from somebody,” he said. “You go for a walk through the park, be it 20 minutes or an hour, and you have good conversation, lots of creativity."

When I working at the Barefoot office I always make a point to walk or sit outside, even if its just for 15 minutes, barefoot or with Earthing shoes on of course, while I have my lunch.  While I'm working inside I always have my feet or hands on an Earthing mat which I find does keep me alert and productive, however, nothing beats getting outside in the fresh air and open spaces and seeing some greenery. 

I encourage you to try Green-Desking, not just next week but every week and for those times when you can't get outside, surround yourself with living plants and use our Earthing Mat which is like bringing that little patch of earth right inside with you.                              

 

Click Here To See Our Range of Earthing Shoes                     Click Here To See Our Earthing Mat

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