For those of us who spend hours working indoors, the environment we create around us plays a crucial role in our productivity, mood, and overall well-being. Over the past few months, I’ve personally noticed the impact of adding windows to the expansion area of OCRA. The natural light pouring in, the view of the outdoors—it all contributes to a significant increase in my focus, energy, and output. But why does this happen?
It turns out there’s strong psychological and scientific evidence that supports the idea that environments with windows—particularly those with views of nature—enhance productivity and even aid in physical recovery. Best-selling author Gad Saad, in his book The Saad Truth About Happiness: 8 Secrets to Living a Good Life, explores how our surroundings affect our mental state, and his website www.gadsaad.com highlights the psychological benefits of exposure to natural light and outdoor views.
The Science Behind Windows and Productivity
There’s an interesting study that illustrates this effect. Researchers examined two individuals who underwent similar surgeries but were placed in different recovery environments—one in a windowless room and the other in a room with a window. The results were remarkable: the person with the window not only had better recovery metrics but also reported higher levels of well-being. While multiple factors contribute to recovery, including medical care and overall health conditions, the presence of natural light and an outdoor view played a crucial role in enhancing the healing process.
This finding isn’t just relevant for hospitals. The same principle applies to workspaces. Studies show that employees working in offices with windows report higher productivity, better sleep quality, and improved mental well-being compared to those in windowless environments. Exposure to natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which means we sleep better at night, feel more alert during the day, and are less prone to fatigue or burnout.
OCR Academy’s Expansion
At OCR Academy, our expansion area includes many windows, and I immediately noticed a shift in my productivity. Tasks that once felt sluggish now move more smoothly. The open space and connection to the outside world create a sense of energy and motivation. There’s something powerful about being able to glance outside, see the sky, and feel that connection to nature—it eliminates that “boxed-in” feeling that can often drain creativity and focus.
Why Does Natural Light Make Us More Productive?
From an evolutionary standpoint, humans are wired to function best in natural environments. Our ancestors spent most of their lives outdoors, relying on sunlight for energy, navigation, and survival. When the sun was up, it signaled time for activity and productivity. This deep-rooted biological programming explains why we tend to feel more energized on sunny days and sluggish when stuck indoors under artificial lighting.
Sunlight also plays a crucial role in vitamin D production, which impacts mood, cognitive function, and overall health. A deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to fatigue, depression, and decreased motivation—all of which can hinder productivity.
Awareness and Action
If you’re feeling drained or uninspired in your workspace, take a moment to evaluate your environment. Do you have access to natural light? Can you introduce windows, skylights, or even spend part of your workday outdoors? Small changes—like working near a window, taking breaks outside, or using light therapy lamps—can make a significant difference.
The key takeaway? Our environment matters. Whether it’s productivity, recovery, or mental clarity, being exposed to natural light and nature enhances our well-being in ways we might not always realize. If you have the opportunity to design or modify your workspace, adding windows isn’t just an aesthetic choice—it’s an investment in your health, efficiency, and happiness.
