The sun is shining, mountains are waiting to be climbed, and you’re stuck inside… at work. Here at Utah Open Lands, we get it. There’s nothing worse than daydreaming about being in nature when you’re stressed out applying for that grant you desperately need to save Owl Meadow. The deadline’s approaching, meetings with donors are crammed into the calendar and suitcases still need to be packed for the Land Trust Association Rally coming up.
Fortunately, we have over 58,000 beautiful acres that we have protected to choose from when monitoring calls our name, but at other times of the year when we can’t get outside, we try to bring the outdoors inside. Here are our favorite life hacks to bring nature to work.
1. Surround yourself with greens and foliage.
The best type of office is one that resembles a jungle. Spider plants, peace lilies, and pothos varieties can all get by without ample sunlight. If you have a south-facing window, spruce up your area with a few succulents or cacti. Not only will you feel calmer and more relaxed, but you’ll also have the best looking office to boot. You can always reach out to the students at Rowland-Hall who recently accompanied us on our weeding day. They should have picked up some tips from the Utah Conservation Corps crew about which native Utah species might work out well in pots by your window.
2. Give your favorite animal friend a change of scenery
At fur ball friendly Utah Open Lands, we bring our Three Musketeers; Toph, Rox & Spicey who give us ample opportunity (and a great push) to take a walk outside every once and a while (or at least open the door to let them out). If your work isn’s exactly on board with bringing company, a nice fish tank will make you feel like you’re working from the ocean.
3. Give your imagination a nice boost from your favorite outdoor podcast.
Want to venture across a barren desert? How about exploring high peaks in the Himalayas? Podcasts are a great way to explore nature, all without having to leave your chair. Dirtbag Diaries is one of our favorites over here at Utah Open Lands. Not only do you hear amazing stories, but get to discover the fascinating landscapes that make adventure possible in the first place.
There are many health benefits to working outside. One of the biggest is stress reduction. According to The Huffington Post, the scent of flowers has been proven to decrease stress and increase relaxation. The smell of fresh pine has been shown to lower anxiety and depression. Every opportunity we get to set up the video camera and interview people in support of our mission, we go for. And the best bit? The backdrop - the places you love that we have protected, like this gem, Hidden Hollow in Sugarhouse.
5. Take your next meeting for a walk.
Researchers have found that having conversations while walking tends to lead to more creativity and reduces the stress of a tense topic you may need to discuss. One tech company has taken this to the next level and has 'walking staff meetings' where they venture out onto a trail adjacent to their office on Utah Open Lands' Rasmussen Property in Park City where we worked with the Snyderville Basin Recreation District to forever protect the land and add it to the trail network which, benefits us all.
We hope these five life hacks to bring nature to work with you help make your nine to five a little greener, and a little more serene. In the meantime, help Utah Open Lands fulfill their mission. Donate today to save land for tomorrow’s generations.
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