How I Increased My Productivity By Simply Going Outside | Hacker News Reader

How I Increased My Productivity By Simply Going Outside

freestylemind.com

21 pointsoscardelben18 comments

Looking forward to your second article in this series where you talk about how you increased your productivity by simply going to sleep. And then the 2-parter on simply eating something.

Seriously, guys, we're better than this.

Too harsh, for the reason that many of us are not better than this. For lack of a better term, most people need "coaching" in some aspect of their life. Often they either aren't aware, aren't willing to admit it, or don't know where to get it.

I am guessing that readers of this site want to be super-productive and are looking for ways to make that happen.

The conclusions in particular are fairly bogus.

In reality is not going outside per se that helps, but rather increasing external conditions like natural light and air ventilation

I would argue that allowing your mind to relax and work on a problem in working memory is the biggest factor here. It would be better if there were any psychology at all in this article, rather than speculation.

How can we downvote in Hacker News? I only see an Up arrow?

You need a certain amount of karma - 200, I think - to downvote a comment. You can't downvote an article.

Allow me to demonstrate.

Unfortunately I think that eating would cause the opposite effect as your body would need more resources in order to digest food.

Fair enough. Then, in all seriousness, I really am looking forward to your article on how you increased your productivity by starving yourself.

Sadly, I realized this when I started smoking. When I go smoke outside and come back, I can solve the problem I was working on much faster. Cigarette does have some benefits... sad but true.

Back in school we used to call them "Think Sticks" in spite of those that called them "Cancer Sticks". In reality I guess they are both, as nicotine does have proven cognitive benefits.

That was/is the hardest part of quitting smoking (I still smoke very rarely) for me. I just really enjoy stepping outside for a smoke be it from work or at a crowded party. Its just something I like to do I just wish I could find something to replace the cigarette part with.

Taking a break from HN && reddit also increases productivity.

Blasphemy! How can you ever expect to be productive without the constant influx of valuable information provided by HN?

</joke>

The difficult trick is learning how to actually take a break from HN && reddit.

I experienced exactly the same thing last week. I had a bunch of overtime work to do and I didn't want to go back to the office, so I set up in my back yard (it's small but intimate, with full shade from a mature maple) and it turned out to be a wonderfully productive environment. The air was fresh, there was a light breeze, the birds were chirping and twittering overhead - the antithesis of my sterile, beige office environment.

Here's what I have learned personally, mostly by accident.

For intellectual tasks: 1) What seemed hard last night always seems easier the next morning. (Sleep learning? Not sure.) 2) Verbalizing a problem, even to someone that has no chance of helping you, can often prompt a solution. Isolation is bad. 3)Distractions are bad, breaks are good.

The problem is when it is a hot summer day (like today) but it is raining (like today). But in general, working outside (not in the sun... LCD screens suck at that) is a great way to get more "energetic". At least, not to fall in the "it is hot" lethargy!

I think he's just on to the broader concept that sometimes when you get stuck, a change of scenery can do wonders.

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