{"id":888119,"date":"2026-07-13T13:20:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T17:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/?p=888119"},"modified":"2026-07-13T13:21:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T17:21:12","slug":"step-outside-your-mind-will-thank-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/research\/articles\/topics\/design\/step-outside-your-mind-will-thank-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Step Outside. Your Mind Will Thank You"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most people know the feeling of stepping outside for a few minutes and coming back with a clearer head. It\u2019s simple, but it works. And research consistently shows why.<\/p>\n

Exposure to fresh air and natural light supports cognitive restoration, reduces stress, and helps people regulate their mood in ways indoor spaces often can\u2019t. Studies from organizations like Harvard\u2019s School of Public Health and the American Psychological Association point to the same pattern: even brief access to outdoor environments can improve focus, lower mental fatigue, and support overall wellbeing.<\/p>\n

Steelcase research echoes this. When people are asked which features help them feel refreshed and rejuvenated at work, fresh air and natural light rank among the top three, right behind temperature. The need is even more pronounced for workers in environments with little natural light or limited window access.<\/p>\n

Why being outside helps the brain<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Outdoor areas that offer shade, a comfortable place to sit and a moment to breathe can make a real difference. They can also encourage movement. Standing, shifting posture or simply walking across a courtyard helps people stay alert. Movement supports attention and reduces fatigue, which benefits both the body and the brain. As organizations think more seriously about wellbeing and brain health, outdoor spaces are becoming an essential part of the conversation. Sure, they\u2019re nice to have, but they can also be a meaningful tool for supporting people throughout the day.<\/p>\n

When outdoor areas are designed with intention, they become more than just a place to take a brain break. They can actually support focused work, casual conversations, team meetings or quiet moments alone. The key is giving people choice. In almost all cases, Steelcase research shows that when people can pick the setting that matches their needs,<\/a> they feel more in control of their day. That sense of control is closely tied to greater wellbeing.<\/p>\n

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An outdoor workspace gives people room to think, move and connect in ways that support better focus and better work.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Outdoors spaces planned like urban parks<\/h3>\n

The Steelcase Community-Based Design perspective addresses that important layer: outdoor spaces work best when they reflect the needs and habits of the people who use them. This approach focuses on designing with communities rather than for them. It means listening, observing and shaping spaces that feel natural and welcoming.<\/p>\n

Urban parks are a good example. They act as shared gathering places where people from different backgrounds come together. Parks support wellbeing by offering open space, clear paths, places to sit and a sense of safety. There, people can move, connect with each other or simply enjoy nature. When organizations apply this mindset to their own outdoor areas, the spaces become more meaningful. They feel less like amenities and more like essential parts of daily life.<\/p>\n

Supporting wellbeing outdoors isn\u2019t just about helping people feel good. It directly affects how well they perform. When people spend time outside, their brains get a break from constant stimulation, which helps restore attention and improve cognitive control. That means fewer mistakes, better decision\u2011making and more sustained focus. When people have access to spaces that help them reset, they come back with more clarity, more patience and more energy. Think of investing in outdoor environments as an investment in performance, focus and creative problem\u2011solving.<\/p>\n

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Outdoor spaces that offer shade and furniture give people a place to eat, relax or get some fresh air. Walking paths and areas for activities like volleyball or basketball encourage movement and exercise. Ideally, these spaces should be located near a main cafeteria or social area people already visit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Five things to consider WHEN DESIGNING outdoor spaces<\/h3>\n

Once the principles are in place, the next step is making sure the space actually works for people. This is where outdoor furniture and tools come in. The right solutions help define space, create comfort and make outdoor areas usable throughout the day.<\/p>\n