Why Gazing Out The Window Can Enhance Your Work Creativity—A Coach's Top Three Tips

When you think of ways to enhance your productivity, staring outside probably isn’t high on your list.

According to Kirsty Hulse, an inspirational speaker and coach for professionals, taking time to gaze at the world outside can actually enhance your creative thinking at work.

As the author of "Don't Swear at Work: The Rule Breakers' Guide to Workplace Brilliance," Hulse often pronounces that some time spent daydreaming is indeed beneficial.

From Successful Entrepreneur to Overwhelmed

Kirsty Hulse initiated a large marketing firm at the age of 26 and was quickly surrounded by success.

She secured major clients like Virgin Atlantic and IBM, established offices internationally, and built a robust team.

Despite her business triumphs, by her late twenties, Hulse experienced intense stress manifested as chest pains and panic attacks.

Raised during a time that celebrated relentless achievement, Hulse perceived her distress as something manageable.

Recognizing the need for transformation, Hulse immersed herself in understanding the brain science behind workplace efficiency.

Today, she works with leading corporations, helping employees enhance their self-assurance and structuring workplaces to optimize performance.

Emotional Awareness is Key

Hulse notes that modern offices still cling to outdated views from the 1950s, where emotions were shunned.

Stifling your authentic self in favor of intellectual rigor is not conducive to natural human functioning and can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

In today's era, marked by technological advancement, Hulse argues that emotional intelligence will distinguish value in the workplace.

Engage in Play

For Hulse, play is as critical as nutrition—it’s not merely free time; it's essential for avoiding emotional downturns.

She encourages identifying childhood joys, like running or board gaming, and finding ways to integrate them into work.

It may involve scheduling time for a creative or physical activity that truly invigorates your imagination and satisfaction.

Discover Your Thought Zone

Rather than focusing on appearing busy, pinpoint where you think most clearly, since businesses value our cognitive contributions.

Hulse often hears that showers provide the ideal environment for innovation due to the mental quiet they promote—similar to capturing moments of inspiration while staring out the window.

Our brains overflow with ideas, but without moments of mental calm, those ideas may remain unheard.