Change Your Scenery, Change Your Mindset

A colleague recently posted an article A Simple Way to Get Unstuck by Ozan Varol, author of Awaken Your Genius. The article shares a piece of advice from his high school soccer coach: “If you’re not in possession, get in position.” On the soccer field, that means if you don’t have the ball, you should move to a spot where you’re open to receive it. This simple yet powerful principle also applies in the workplace.

Too often, we find ourselves stuck in the same room, sitting in the same position, facing the same computer for hours on end. This physical stagnation can lead to a creative block. Our thoughts, perspectives, and habits are closely linked to our surroundings. By changing our environment, we can often dislodge those mental blocks that no longer serve us.

Research supports this idea. A study from Stanford, cleverly titled “Give Your Ideas Some Legs,” found that walking can boost creativity by up to 60 percent. Movement activates the same region of the brain as cognition, making physical activity a powerful tool for problem-solving and creativity.

So, next time you’re feeling stuck—whether it’s solving a problem or tackling a daunting project—try moving to a different space. A change in scenery might be just what you need to shift your perspective and spark new ideas.

Here are seven ideas to get you started:

1. Step Outside for Fresh Air: Even a brief walk outside can break the monotony. Fresh air and natural light can rejuvenate your mind and body, sparking creativity and new perspectives.

2. Rearrange Your Workspace: Try shifting the layout of your desk, changing the direction you’re facing, or adding new elements like plants or art. A small change in your immediate surroundings can refresh your mindset.

3. Try a New Coffee Shop or Library: If possible, work from a different location for a few hours. A coffee shop, library, or even a park can provide a fresh backdrop and stimulate new ideas.

4. Incorporate Micro-Breaks: Every hour, take a five-minute break to stretch, move around, or do a quick breathing exercise. These micro-breaks can keep your mind and body agile, helping to prevent getting stuck.

5. Engage in a Different Activity: Switch to a different task or activity for a short time, especially one that involves your hands, like doodling or knitting. This can help shift your thinking and make it easier to return to the original task with a fresh perspective.

6. Change Your Lighting: Adjusting the lighting in your space, whether by dimming the lights or opening the blinds, can alter the ambiance and help reset your mood.

 7. Try Virtual Co-working: Join a virtual co-working session where you work alongside others in a shared online space. The sense of being in a different “room” with others can create a subtle but effective change in your routine.

By: Elizabeth Hill, Associate Director, University of Colorado Boulder and co-editor of Ombuzz