Can cafés boost remote work productivity?


Hey nomads,

This week, I had a chat with a fellow nomad who confessed something that genuinely surprised me: he's never worked from a café. Like, ever. 🤯

Until that moment, I hadn't really thought about it. Cafés have always been my go-to workspaces. The buzz, the aroma of coffee, the low hum of conversation – it all somehow fuels my productivity. But this conversation made me wonder, am I in the minority here?

So, if you're firmly anti-café, or simply a little hesitant, hear me out. I'm about to share a few surprising reasons why cafés can actually be amazing for your remote work productivity:

  • The "Coffee Shop Effect": Turns out, there's science behind this! Studies have shown that the ambient noise of a café can actually boost creativity and focus. It's like having a soundtrack for your workday, without the distractions of a full-blown office.
  • Change of Scenery: Let's face it, staring at the same four walls day in and day out can get monotonous. A café offers a fresh perspective and a change of pace, which can do wonders for motivation.
  • Networking Opportunities: You never know who you might bump into at a café. It could be a potential client, a collaborator, or just someone with a fresh idea. Cafés are a microcosm full of possibilities!
  • Sense of Community: Even if you don't strike up a conversation, there's something comforting about being surrounded by other people working. It can make you feel less isolated and more part of something bigger.

Now, if I've managed to pique your interest, you might still be wondering how exactly to have an amazingly productive café experience. So, here are my tried-and-true tips for making the most of it:

  • Choose wisely: Not all cafés are created equal. Look for ones with good Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a vibe that suits your work style.
  • Block out the noise: Remember to always pack a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. They'll help you tune out distractions and focus on your work!
  • Timing is key: Avoid peak hours when the café is packed and noisy. Early mornings or late afternoons are often the sweet spot.
  • Fuel up: Don't forget to order a coffee or snack! It's not just about being polite – caffeine and food can give your brain the boost it needs.
  • Set boundaries: It's easy to get distracted in a café, so set some clear goals for your work session and stick to them.

I'm not saying you have to ditch your co-working space or home office altogether. But next time you're feeling stuck, give a café a try. You might be surprised at how it sparks your creativity and gets those ideas flowing!

Keep on freaking,

Irene ✌

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@astylli: “Colombia is great because it has a mixture of European, American and South American elements to it. It’s very affordable when it comes to accommodation, transport (Uber) and food (especially the city of Medellin, which in my opinion is the best city for digital nomads). It offers good access to do some exploring on the weekend as well! The people are very warm and welcoming and always willing to help! And apart from the food being cheap, it is also delicious. The final thing I have to say is that Colombia, because of its people, has such a great and warm vibe to it that it makes you feel like you’re at home even though you aren’t.” 🇨🇴

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