Have I been enjoying my stay in ever-sunny Phoenix for the past few weeks as part of my and my pup Hudson’s 6-week snowbird trip away from the last of Michigan’s winter?
Yes, VERY much … but that’s not what this post is about 😉
Rather, it’s about something I’ve noticed since arriving. Many of my routines, habits, and choices have changed without my intention to change them.
A few examples:
- I’ve been reading significantly more since arriving, both the books that I brought with me and a few unexpected reads that I picked up in one of my neighborhood’s Free Little Libraries.
- My dog Hudson and I have been going on at least two good walks a day exploring our neighborhood whereas at home we tend to take shorter walks and stay close to home.
- I seem to be having a songwriting spark in this place, with a new song almost close to completion at the end of my first week here! Inspiration, bring it on.
Data has shown for a long time that our environment has a profound impact on our choices and lives. This is likely why when we find ourselves in a new and/or different environment, it can add a distinct freshness and spark to our perspective, creativity, and choices as per my experience described above.
But how can we take this knowledge and apply it to our everyday lives? I’ve had a few ideas which I’d like to share with:
Hit a rut? Go to a different place.
So maybe we can’t hop a flight to Phoneix whenever we need an environmental shift. But even so, it’s possible to change our environment within our hometown, or even just our home! If you’re working and you’ve hit a rut, try changing locations. Go to the library, a coffee shop you like, or outside if the weather is nice. If you can’t leave the house, simply move to a different room. Often just the simple shift in your surroundings can give you the spark you need.
Sunshine is Important
I think we all know how easy it can be to go days without seeing the sun, especially in the winter months. Don’t forget that exposure to sunshine (or the lack thereof) can have a profound effect on your overall mood and subsequently your productivity. Even if it’s cold, if it’s a sunny day, my advice to you? Go for a walk. Soak up those rays, and see what it gets you.
People Count Too!
I’m sure I’m not the first person to tell you of the ever-famous quote from Jim Rohn, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” And while I’m not sure I entirely agree with that statement, I do believe that the people we surround ourselves with influence us. As such, it’s important to be mindful when deciding who you spend your hours with.
Love Where You Work
I’ve written MANY a blog post over the years on home office design, creating a workspace you love, etc. – and now it’s no surprise why! Whether you work in an office or at home, anything you can do to make the environment you spend 20-40 hours a week in a place you love will be well worth the effort. Check out Creating a Workspace You Love or Home Office Ideas for Her for more.
In Closing
While it’s oh so easy to forget about our environment (because, hey, it’s simply what’s around us!) if we can remember how much it impacts us both daily and over time, it will give us a lot more control over how we feel and the choices we make in our lives. Use this wisdom to your advantage! Make your environment, as much as is in your control, one that supports the choices you want to make <3
