A client confided to me in a moment of exasperation: "I'm drowning in responsibilities. Don’t even know what to do first, because everything is critical. It feels like burnout is always just around the corner.”
This feeling is all too common among operations executives. Given the relentless pressure, it’s not surprising. Unfortunately, it’s also not sustainable.
In times like these, stepping away from your desk and out into the great outdoors may seem completely counterintuitive. But scientific evidence shows that’s the perfect thing to do.
In this episode, I’ll share how nature helps you regain control over your time and priorities, so you have more energy, greater creativity, and greater confidence making decisions. Don’t let the relentless pressure consume you. Sustainable leadership begins with a single step outside.
Check out the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/36.
Hey Ops Leaders!
What if the secret to mastering your schedule isn’t another productivity hack, or some new app, but in the simple act of stepping outside into nature?
I often tell my clients that I’ve never come up with a great idea while sitting at my desk. Stepping outside in the fresh air, surrounded by trees and birds, always reboots my mind and my mood.
That’s why I encourage my clients to call in for their coaching sessions while they’re out for a walk. In fact, t hat’s my favorite way of connecting with my own executive coach.
If you need to upgrade your approach to time management, let’s look at why stepping into nature should be your go-to strategy.
Enhance Mental Clarity and Focus
Do you often struggle with decision fatigue or creative blocks? Spending time in nature can be the antidote. Exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms. This boosts your mood and cognitive function.
Research from the University of Michigan found that even short interactions with nature improve attention and cognitive performance by 20%. This shows that walks in nature can be a powerful tool against decision fatigue.
Incorporating nature into your day can be a strategic investment. It helps you face operational challenges with a clear and focused mind.
Reduce Stress and Build Emotional Resilience
Operations management often comes with a lot of pressure. Nature can be a sanctuary from this constant drive and demand.
I’m sure you know that physical activity lowers cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress, and releases endorphins, enhancing overall well-being.
But a 2021 study in Environmental Science & Technology found that specifically outdoor physical activity, or “green exercise,” significantly reduces anxiety compared to indoor exercise.
They found that participants who engaged in outdoor physical activities, like hiking and biking, experienced greater reductions in state anxiety compared to those exercising indoors.
It may be great that you’re getting up really early and getting to the gym or hitting the gym after work. But why not also take advantage of the daylight and get an extra boost to your day?
Jumpstarting Creativity and Innovation
To lead operations, you’ve got to be creative and innovative. Nature provides the perfect place for nurturing these qualities.
A study conducted by the University of Utah and the University of Kansas found that spending time in nature significantly boosts creativity. Participants who spent four days hiking in nature without any access to technology showed a 50% improvement in creative problem-solving tasks. 50%!
Without technological distractions, your mind can wander freely and innovate more easily.
This underscores the importance of taking breaks in natural surroundings. Imagine the breakthroughs you could have if you just give your brain the space it needs to form new connections and generate fresh ideas.
Conclusion: Embrace Nature for Sustainable Leadership
These are just three studies, but you can see that connecting with nature is a powerful move if you’re looking to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and boost creativity. All of these are key elements in mastering time management.
When your mind is free from the constant barrage of tasks and decisions, prioritizing and streamlining responsibilities becomes easier.
It's more than just a refreshing break. It's a strategic investment in your leadership and effectiveness.
So, step outside and reclaim your time, whether it's a walk in the park, a hike, or simply eating lunch out in the garden.
Today I’ll leave you with this question: What are some small, actionable steps you can take today to incorporate more time in nature into your schedule?
And if you’re looking for ideas for how to carve out more time for yourself, check out episode 8, “6 Habits of Effective Operations Execs Who Don't Work Late Nights.” You’ll find it at yourfuturerealized.com/8.
You can’t stop the chaos, but you can change the game.