Work-life balance means something different for everyone, but for most workers, having a healthy sense of balance during and after the work day leads to greater engagement and higher satisfaction in their jobs. And for employees in Alabama, work-life balance can look like getting time outside. The best part? Time outside doesn’t just improve work-life balance. It can actually boost productivity, too.
HOW TIME OUTSIDE CAN BOOST PRODUCTIVITY
Studies show that exposure to greenspaces correlates with lower levels of stress. And luckily, Alabama has no shortage of greenspace! Additionally, time outside in nature has been found to increase cognitive function.
Unyoked, a booking company that allows visitors to stay in remote cabins, partnered with AllTrails for an 8-month long research study where 407 diverse participants stayed in Unyoked cabins and hiked using AllTrails. An independent research agency evaluated the participants’ well-being and found that “two nights in nature was 50% more powerful at improving well-being than popular methods like mindfulness and meditation” (Unyoked).
In another study, researchers gave participants an attention test. After each test, participants were assigned to take a 50- to 55-minute walk through one of two Michigan locations: the Ann Arboretum or downtown Ann Arbor in Michigan. When they returned and retook the same test, the arboretum group scored higher.
Finding ways to relieve stress and increase well-being is becoming more important than ever. In 2023, the American Psychological Association reported that 20- and 30-somethings in the United States are feeling higher levels of stress than older generations. That stress can lead to burnout and have negative consequences on both the individuals facing burnout and companies that rely on employee engagement for success.
Time outside won’t solve every issue workers and companies face, but the proof is in the pudding: it’s a great start to improving mental well-being and productivity.
WHAT ALABAMA STARTUP FOUNDERS AND WORKERS ARE SAYING
For many Alabamians, one of the pros of life in Alabama is the accessibility of outdoor spaces. Kellie Clark, a managing director at an Alabama-based health tech accelerator, starts every day with a walk in her neighborhood and enjoys the quick access of Moss Rock Preserve while also enjoying weekend adventures of kayaking and camping.
Jessica Bloodsworth, founder and CEO of MenuMatch, also takes regular walks each day. She’s busy building her business, MenuMatch–a mobile app that curates personalized restaurant and menu recommendations for people living with food allergies, intolerances and dietary restrictions. With the full schedule that comes with entrepreneurship, adding in time outside gives her time to reset and refocus.
“Being outside is so beneficial and important for our mental and spiritual well-being. It really allows you to center and ground yourself, and just be fully present and in the moment. It’s easy for me to get caught up in meetings or emails or in brainstorming my next big idea, but being in nature really allows me to re-focus, take a breath, and gain clarity.” Jessica Bloodsworth
Birmingham’s Matt Pierce sees similar benefits from incorporating time outside into his days. He founded Immediate in 2018 as a financial services company dedicated to giving the US workforce access to their already-earned pay. While the company has grown to support 250,000 people across all 50 states, Immediate’s home base is here in Alabama. As a founder, Matt’s no stranger to the stresses of balancing work and life. He also has the unique privilege and responsibility of setting the tone for his employees.
“Work-life balance is something I think most people struggle to achieve, especially entrepreneurs. What I’ve found is helpful is to schedule time where I can truly check out from ‘work think’ and let my mind go where it wants. For me, this typically happens the best when I’m on a long walk with my wife or alone with a good podcast.” Matt Pierce
IDEAS FOR GETTING OUTSIDE DURING THE WORK DAY
While some prefer to take their time soaking in the scenery while hitting the trails on a morning hike or a walk through the city, others might prefer the active energy of mountain biking or paddleboarding. With this many options, you’ll find something you enjoy doing in Alabama.
- Trail hikes + walks in local parks
- Nature watching
- Short bike rides (check to see if your city offers bike and e-bike rentals, like Veo Mobility in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa)
