Like many in the southern states of Australia, I’ve recently been hit by one of those relentless winter bugs. Despite rest, vitamins, and even taking a week off (which, of course, is exactly when I got sick), I couldn’t dodge it.
But earlier this week, in the midst of lingering fatigue, I had to head into the city for a few meetings. So, I put on something bright, popped a couple of Codral, and jumped on a train – Italian pop from the 80s and 90s playing through my headphones (yes, it’s a vibe).
And something shifted.
Despite the cloudiness, I felt sharper, more motivated, even creative. I had four great meetings – two in person, two online – and walked away energised. That’s when it hit me: my environment had changed, and so did my energy.
A deliberate choice to elevate my impact
This wasn’t about pushing through illness recklessly. As my trainer always says: if your body’s screaming, listen. But sometimes, when you’re just on the edge of recovery, a gentle nudge - with full respect for your limits – can help reset your energy.
For me, that nudge came from changing my environment. I’m lucky to work in varied locations – client offices, event venues, training rooms. That variety creates mental momentum. I realised: it wasn’t just the cold meds or the coffee. It was the change of scene.
The science backs it up
Turns out, I’m not imagining this. Research shows that even small changes to your physical environment – like moving to a different room or working near a window – can increase creativity, improve focus, and boost performance.
A recent study by Oyedeji & Lee (2025) found that novelty in work environments - like different sights, sounds, or spaces – stimulates adaptable thinking and problem-solving.
Page & Tolmie (2024) noted that even something as simple as switching desks or working in a café can have a measurable effect on energy and well-being.
And it’s not just for adults. My daughter, currently in her final year of high school, recently told me she prefers studying in places with ambient noise – coffee shops, common areas – because it keeps her more focused and accountable. I was halfway through preparing a lecture on distraction when I realised… she’s right. And the research backs her too.
It’s not just about where you work – it’s how you feel
Changing your surroundings does more than help you think. It shifts your mood. It can boost your confidence, break you out of a rut, or help you reset when you’re dragging. Your environment cues your energy – and your energy fuels your performance.
This doesn’t mean booking a week-long workcation in Byron Bay (though, no judgment if you do). It could be as simple as:
- Moving to a new spot in the office
- Going for a short walk before a meeting
- Switching to a café with natural light
- Putting on music that changes your vibe
These small, deliberate choices can have a big impact.
The bottom line
If you’re feeling flat, stuck, or out of rhythm, don’t always start with your to-do list. Start with your environment.
Switch something – anything. Your desk, your soundtrack, your location. That one change might just trigger a surge of energy, creativity, or clarity that your routine couldn’t reach.
Because sometimes, your environment is the real source of your energy.
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