Let’s chat about outside working and in the soon-to-be laidback summertime days. With warmer days comes dreams of lazy carefree times filled with swimming, picnics, family reunions, vacation bible school, and catching lightning bugs late into the evening unless you happen to be a virtual assistant. The relaxed pace doesn’t come guaranteed when the kids are out of school, your client load kicks up a notch, and the screams you’re hearing are for more than “Ice cream!” How does a virtual assistant find balance during the warmer summer months? How does this work-at-home mom juggle the increased demands of both family fun and client deadlines? Is working outside with your laptop productive and even possible?

It comes with flexibility. It comes with adapting to work locations. And, it comes with a healthy dose of sunscreen.

With the help of these tips for working outdoors with your laptop you won’t be far from the fun plus you’ll be working smarter so you can finish up faster – ready to join in all the activities. Whether you’re remote from your yard, at the park, poolside, or at an outdoor eatery these gems will work.

• Whenever possible work under the shade. This could be from an awning, umbrella, or porch roof. This is good for your laptop so it won’t get too warm and for your skin care.
• Equip your laptop with an anti-glare screen and/or a sunshade. The reduction in glare will increase your efficiency and reduce tired eyes. No more squinting. TIP: You can craft a low cost sunshade from a cardboard box. Just tilt the box on end and slip your laptop inside. Walluh! It’s shaded and you’re ready for some comfortable working.
• Wear a dark color shirt, it won’t reflect the light back into your screen as quickly as a light color.
• Wear polarized sunglasses to lessen your eye strain and increase computer screen visibility.
• Wear a hat with a brim. Could be a baseball cap, a fun sun hat or even a cowboy hat. The wider the brim the better to keep your eyes in the shadow and the harsh sunlight from glaring.
• Take frequent breaks from your computer screen to ease eye fatigue. Eye doctors suggest you take a break every 20 minutes and look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. You may have heard of this as the 20-20-20 Rule.
• Keep in mind that on a warm day your computer can heat up faster especially if you’re using a black laptop so plan to use a laptop cooling fan. Your laptop’s fan will appreciate the cooling boost and the computer will run faster.
• Increase the brightness on your screen’s settings. Since the increase also consumes a bit more energy plan to pack another battery pack or bring along the A/C power cord. It would be disappointing to work hard on project and experience a low battery midway through.
• If you must be in the sun then sit facing the sun. This will place your screen’s reflection away from the rays.

Wishing you and the family a great time outdoors in both work…and play.