Making the most of a sunny day

This week we sat down on the sofas, with the warm sun streaming through the windows for what felt like the first time all year. The topic: Making the most of a sunny day. Safe to say we didn't stay indoors for long.

Live Drawing by Studio Noodle

• Don't spend it indoors!

Easier said than done when you've got a 9-5 job or a deadline looming. That being said, from our base at Union St it's possible to take a five minute walk around the block and see Sheffield city centre transforming before our eyes. We're a stone's throw from Orchard Square or The Moor in the opposite direction. Across the road we've got Cambridge Street Collective and the awesome indies at Leah's Yard. But if you really can't get out of the office then maybe just duck out onto the roof to soak up some rays while you drink your coffee.

• Skipping, running or walking

Strolling and soaking in the sights is one option, but you could also up the intensity. Everything's better when the sun is shining, especially exercise. We've had plenty of chats about the boredom of indoor gyms. Sam of Festoon studios, curator of 'Have I Got Views For You' keeps a skipping rope in his locker, just in case motivation strikes.

• Union St Co-Walking Club

This weekend sees the start of this year's first Co-Walking Club meeting. Union St members are meeting in Hope, Derbyshire a short trip from Sheffield City Centre. From there they'll embark on a friendly, easy going hike in the sunny (fingers crossed) hills. Awaiting them at the end will be one of the many fine public houses, dotted through the Hope Valley.

• Go for a walk with your knotty problems

If you're feeling like you can't take a break from the desk, then Jo's top tip is to save up your knottiest problem, the one that won't be solved through brute force. You don't need to be sat at your desk to think, in fact you'll probably have far more clarity in the fresh air and sunshine.

• Record your thoughts

If you're the type of thinker that needs to see or hear their thoughts expressed externally to start making sense of them, you could try walking and talking. Record your monologue on your phone, as you walk round the block. If you're feeling self conscious just pretend you're on the phone!

• Watch a sunset after work

As the days get longer and the evenings get lighter we'll have the chance to see the sun set. It won't happen in secret, while we're on a Zoom call. Sheffield is blessed with plenty of hills which make perfect viewing spots. You don't need to travel far to find a public park (like Bole Hills, Norfolk Park or Meersbrook Park) or a gritstone outcropping above the Hope Valley, where you can set up your base and enjoy an evening outdoors.

• Wear sunscreen

March might feel a bit too early, but this week as we took 'Have I got Views for you' up to the roof of Union St, we got our first taste of hot sun. The first sunny days of the year always catch people out, so be prepared and look after your skin!

If you’re interested in a focused workspace, with access to monitors, keyboards, and most importantly a coworking community who won't judge you for talking a stroll in the sun, then check out the options here or book in with Matt to take a guided tour.

March's Pop-Up Lunches

From 8:30am every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday our Baristas serve award winning Dark Peak locally roasted at Smith St alongside freshly baked pastries, with independent traders serving lunches from 12 til 2pm;

• Tuesday 3rd: Internationally Inspired Street Food (V & Ve) by Icarus and Apollo

• Wednesday 4th: Authentic thali (V & Ve) by Ammi's Kitchen

• Thursday 5th: Black Heritage Food by Urban Fusion

• Tues 10th: World Street Food (V & Ve) by Icarus and Apollo

• Wed 11th: Authentic thali (V & Ve) by Ammi's Kitchen

• Thurs 12th: Black Heritage Food by Urban Fusion

  
  

• Tues 17th: All Things Mammas - Good Food for the Soul

• Wed 18th: Authentic thali (V & Ve) by Ammi's Kitchen

• Thurs 19th: Authentic African Flavours, handmade with love by Mina Cuisine

  
  

• Tues 24th: All Things Mammas - Healthy doesn't have to be boring

• Wed 25th: Authentic thali (V & Ve) by Ammi's Kitchen

• Thurs 26th: Black Heritage Food by Urban Fusion

• Tuesday 31st: South Asian Thali by women's social enterprise Roshni Kitchen

Barista Holly writes the menu for Mammas (Good Food For the Soul)

When do you get nervous and what do you do about it?

One of the great things about Union St is that when we're caught up in the weekly 'Have I Got Views For You' lunchtime discussion all the barriers come down. We can talk honestly and openly and subjects that might be weighing on us. After a few minutes even tricky subjects tend to untangle themselves and become easier to talk about. This chat about the things that make us nervous was no different:

Hosted by Festoon. Live drawing by Studio Noodle.

Meeting new people

Talking to new people is a relatively common thing to be nervous about, but it's refreshing to hear it said out loud by so many. Hearing that many people struggle with the same thing makes it feel like less of a personal burden. We discussed the pressures of talking to someone new, either at work or in life. In these situation it feels like there's an extra pressure to perform, impress or offer 'something of value' to the other person. When you're paying so much extra attention to your own behaviour (or watching yourself on Zoom) it's very easy to forget to listen. Our inner monolog can be so busy rehearsing the next point, that it stops us from having a natural conversation.

Solution: As long as you're not walking into a dangerous situation, it might be possible to reframe your nerves as excitement. Despite there being the possibility that something might go wrong, usually we're nervous because we want it to go well! The outward expression of nervousness and excitement are often the same. Our brains are just rehearsing all the negative outcomes in advance, so that we can deal with them if they happen, but most of the time everything is fine!

Speaking to an expert

Here we talked about calling a service provider or an expert on the phone and the risk that they might use your lack of knowledge to take advantage of you. Having these conversations can be a huge source of stress and it's often even worse on the phone. If you don't know exactly what you need, asking for help is quite a vulnerable position to be in.

Solution: One suggestion for dealing with these nervous feelings was to write down everything you want to say in advance. Memory seems to be one of the first things to go when we get nervous, so having a plan ahead of time and sticking to it can be a useful framework for complicated conversations.

Having all eyes on you

There's something very threatening about being exposed, in front of a crowd. Being the outsider is a vulnerable position, especially when we all crave the safety of a group. There are a number of Union St Co-Workers who perform in one way or another. Whether it's through music, art or comedy, they stand on their own and try to share something of themselves with a crowd. This combines lots of the most nerve-wracking scenarios into one: public speaking, speaking to someone you don't know, trying to impress and relying on your memory.

Solution: Not breathing properly or deeply can make feelings of stress worse, and it's something that we've taken steps to help each other with at Union St. Every week we have 'Meditation Monday' which offers a free guided meditation for all members. We also have upcoming Yoga sessions every Tuesday for members and non-members alike offered by Co-worker Bella. These sessions aim to release tension and gradually build strength through controlled movement and breathing.

Cycling and driving

Let's take a break from stressful social situations. The drivers among us agreed that motorway driving, the risk of a breakdown, driving in dangerous conditions and being driven by an inexperienced driver can all make journeys pretty nerve-wracking. Cyclists talked about the fear of drivers who don't give them enough space, or who loudly overtake them. These have the potential to be dangerous situations so while deep breathing might be still useful, it's more important to be informed and prepared.

Solution: There is widely available advice on staying safe on UK roads for both drivers and cyclists. This involves understanding the highway code, riding and driving in a predictable way and making your intentions known to other road users. Hopefully understanding how to keep yourself and others safe can make a nervous driver, passenger or cyclist feel more comfortable the next time they take to the roads.

If you’re interested in a focused workspace, with access to monitors, keyboards, coffee, tea and most importantly a co-working community who like to talk to and learn from each other, then check out the options here or book in with Matt to take a guided tour.