Philadelphia, PA - Some people genuinely enjoy yard work. They throw on a playlist, grab a pair of gloves, sow some seeds, and treat trimming hedges like a full-body meditation. They think all about that little outdoor retreat that they’re making, and that alone helps them keep pushing what they’re doing. Then there’s everyone else, the ones who stare out the window, see the overgrown grass, and immediately pretend it’s not there. But outdoor work doesn’t have to be such a chore. Sure, the idea of it sounds grueling (but the outcome is amazing).
It’s usually not the task itself that’s awful, it’s how long it takes, how uncomfortable it is, or how annoying the tools are. Basically, just make a few tweaks, and suddenly the whole thing feels way less like a weekend-wrecker.
Start with the Weather and Your Energy
Yeah, so many people are guilty of this massive mistake. Okay, so trying to weed, trim, or mow in the middle of the day when the sun’s on full blast is setting yourself up to be grumpy. Same goes for tackling yard work after a full workday when your energy’s already fried. But yes, seriously, timing matters. The sweet spot is usually early morning or early evening, light’s better, temps are nicer, and everything feels a bit more manageable.
Just generally speaking, working with your energy, not against it, changes the whole experience. If your body’s dragging, even the smallest task feels like a punishment. But when you’re a little more rested and the weather’s on your side, suddenly pulling weeds becomes oddly satisfying instead of rage-inducing.
Comfort isn’t Optional
Sure, it sounds obvious, but if you’re wearing stiff jeans, sweating through your shirt, and your tools are clunky or broken, you’re not going to enjoy anything about being outside. Yeah, even if these are the whole “proper work wear” (and they’re not), you’ll need to just fix it. Ideally, throw on clothes you can move in. Get a hat that actually shades your face. And if your gloves are crusty and stiff, toss them and get new ones. The difference is real.
Actually, the same goes for hydration. If you’re going to be outside for more than 20 minutes, grab some water like a reasonable human. Seriously, don’t wait until you’re sweaty and dizzy to remember you’re not invincible.
Make Smart Upgrades
Easy enough, right? Well, a big reason outdoor work feels awful is that most people use tools that make everything harder. They’re either too old, too cheap, or too complicated to deal with. No wonder the job feels like a slog.
But really, a small upgrade can go a long way. For example, a really easy one would have to be something like swapping a clunky old push mower for something that’s lighter and quieter. Actually, an electric mower, for example, skips the mess of pull cords and fumes, and gets the job done without turning the whole process into a cardio workout.
Maybe look into new tools rather than the old manual ones you’ve used too, such as opting for hedge clippers (electrical ones) over shears.
Break it Up
For the most part, outdoor work doesn’t need to be an all-day affair. In fact, it probably shouldn’t be. In all honesty, you’re way better off just splitting task into small chinks, maybe throughout the day (one day so it’s all done). But usually this is the best way to manage it.
