For those who have not left much of the house these days, here is a news: summer is coming. We have not been able to enjoy spring much, but the warmer days of the year await us. And since stay-at-home orders are likely to remain active, at least for a while, many of us will continue to work from home for the next several months.
Just because there is no opportunity to go to the office does not mean that we have to content ourselves with working indoors. For those who are lucky enough to have a patio, terrace or backyard, there is the option of taking their "office" outside. Not only will you take advantage of the benefits of sunlight, but it is a way to enjoy the pleasant weather (and have more light in your video conferences).
The trick, of course, is figuring out how to stay cool, see your screen, and feel comfortable when you're away from traditional office settings. Below, outdoor living experts and travel bloggers who have worked outdoors around the world share their strategies with us and recommend products that come from trusted brands.
Find a plan for electricity
When you're in the office, you probably don't think for a second about battery life, since you're constantly connected to power. But when you're outdoors, charging points may not be easily within reach. That's why Nate Hake, a travel blogger and CEO of Travel Lemming, says to come up with a plan before you move in.
"I travel with a single extension cord, which is useful if your outdoor workspace is reasonably close to an electrical outlet," he says. Another option if a cable is not feasible is to use a portable battery, such as the one that is also charged with solar energy, which we highlight below.
Try these:
AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip ($ 10.99; amazon.com)
Chafon 40W Portable Solar Charger with Foldable Panel ($ 119.09; amazon.com)
Stay in the shade
It's tempting to multitask while trying to get a tan, but travel presenter Sarah Funk says Shadow is your friend. When we are overheated, we tend to sweat, which is uncomfortable when we are expected to be online from 9 to 6 daily. Funk reminds professionals that not only will they have difficulty seeing their screen due to glare, but it is also harmful to their skin.
"Working in the sun is not the same as relaxing in the sun," he continues. "If you have an outdoor table, I recommend that you put a parasol or parasol. With it you can work outside whenever you want. "
And, as always, be sure to wear sunscreen, like this one we recommend below from one of our favorite clean beauty brands, which is SPF 50, non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Try these:
9 'Patio Sunshade with LED Lighting ($ 95.95; amazon.com)
Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower Extract ($ 32; amazon.com)
Invest in a wireless keyboard and mouse
Proper posture and alignment are essential, no matter where you are or what you are doing. Too often, people pick up their laptops and sit cross-legged outside, creating an awkward position for their bodies. Travel blogger Lia Garcia says it's worth investing in an ergonomic wireless keyboard and mouse to provide the assistance you need.
"Since you are unlikely to have an ergonomic chair and table outside, it is even more important to save your wrists and arms from additional stress," she says. "When combined with my laptop stand, this creates an ergonomic workspace that can be set up anywhere."
Try these:
Logitech Wireless Wave Keyboard and Mouse Combo ($ 51.99, originally $ 79.99; amazon.com)
Soundance Laptop Stand ($ 32.99; amazon.com)
Use a real desktop
Sure, you could relax in an easy chair, or maybe even lie down on an outdoor sofa. But to ensure you remain productive, you must be comfortable enough to switch to full work mode. And to do this, travel blogger Lisa Niver says, a real desk is essential. While on the road, he works almost exclusively outside, and is now doing the same during social distancing. “I find that when I am in a hotel with a sofa and a table I cannot work. I must have a good chair and a table of adequate height to work and not have back pain, ”he says.
While you can use an outdoor patio dining set, you should also consider a portable option, says Niver, like this laptop station. You can set it up in under a minute, and when you're done, it folds up at the touch of a button. It even comes with a built-in fan.
Try this:
Mosajie Portable Workstation ($ 46.99; amazon.com)
Protect your equipment from the sun
The biggest attraction of working outdoors is the fresh air and the sun. But all that heat is not exactly good for your computer or phone. As Hake points out, direct sunlight can affect productivity and you should be concerned that your devices get too hot.
In addition to looking for a shady area, you can go the extra mile for protection by investing in gear designed for outdoor adventures, like this protective case.
Try this:
Phoozy Computer Capsule ($ 59.99; amazon.com)
Consider an outdoor fridge
On one occasion, while staying at a hotel, Niver worked from a cabana by the pool that had a fan and a mini fridge. These items aren't essential for meeting a deadline or attending a Zoom meeting, but Niver says they definitely make working outdoors more enjoyable. To avoid having to go back inside for a snack or refill the water, consider a portable mini fridge that keeps your produce cold.
And yes, having a fan doesn't seem like a bad idea either.
Try these:
Uber Mini Outdoor Countertop Refrigerator ($ 39.10; amazon.com)
IFanPro Neck Fan ($ 15.95, originally $ 21.95; amazon.com)
To sit in nature
When you take your office outside, you can create an environment that looks like paradise. As outdoor living expert Tyler Banken says, adding a little color and exuberance will brighten your mood and allow you to feel in nature. You can do it with flowers or simple vegetation.
“Having larger plants in your outdoor workspace, such as palm trees or small evergreens, will give you a 'dense leaf' appearance and height. This is perfect for filling a corner or brightening a wall, "he says. “Another element that is ideal for small / narrow outdoor spaces is a vertical garden. Flowerpots hanging on a wall or on a patio railing can break large blank areas, soften spaces, and create a great backdrop for your video calls. ”
Try this:
AOMGD 3 Pack Macrame Plant Hanger ($ 13.99; amazon.com)
Install an ethernet cable
Depending on how far you are from your home in a backyard, your outdoor WiFi signal may be weak. That's why Funk says it's best to use a long Ethernet cable and plug yourself directly into the Internet.
"Make sure to turn off Wi-Fi on your computer once you do this, or it might not automatically switch to using the Ethernet cable for the Internet," he suggests. "Using this cable not only ensures that the Internet connection is strong, but it can also finish downloads faster than before because you are directly connected to the Internet instead of using Wi-Fi."
Try this:
White 50ft Cat 6 Ethernet Cable ($ 18.99; amazon.com)
Don't forget about hydration
Generally, a person needs at least 80 ounces of water per day. A general rule of thumb for nutritionists is half your body weight in ounces. If you are outside and sweat more than you would inside, you need even more. That's why blogger and travel photographer Laurence Norah suggests keeping a bottle of water nearby. It's easy to forget during the day, but if it's cold and practical, you're more likely to have a drink.
Try this:
Insulated Water Bottle ($ 24.99; amazon.com)
Protect your eyes
Have you ever tried to take a photo in the scorching sun, and you couldn't even see the phone screen? The same can happen when you try to work with your computer at noon outdoors. Squinting all day long causes headaches and exhaustion.
That's why Norah suggests finding a way to give your eyes a rest. If you're comfortable working with polarized sunglasses, it's a good start. You can also invest in anti-glare laptop screens that also help.
Try these:
Wowsun Polarized Sunglasses ($ 14.99; amazon.com)
Kensington MP13 Magnetic Privacy Screen for 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro ($ 48.99; amazon.com)
Protect your skin from insects
As you get used to working outdoors, and if you enjoy a sunset while writing the latest emails, you will notice the arrival of some unwanted visitors, such as mosquitoes and other creatures. Travel blogger Inma Gregorio says creating an outdoor workspace is always a work in progress, so if these annoyances interrupt you, you should look for creative and effective ideas to keep them away. Candles and other repellents are the first step.
Try these:
La Jolie Muse Citronella Candle ($ 16.99; amazon.com)
Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repellent ($ 21.91, originally $ 24.99; amazon.com)
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of article posting.
