Get Out of Your Productivity Rut Without Sacrificing Work
One of the best things about remote work from a cabin near Chicago is flexibility, but let’s be honest—it also means we can get way too comfortable in the same space every day. Your once-creative setup starts to feel uninspiring, and suddenly, even the smallest tasks feel like a slog.
Swapping your usual desk for a quiet cabin retreat in nature can completely reset your brain. Research shows that being in a natural environment boosts creativity, reduces stress, and increases focus—all things that help you work smarter, not harder.
So instead of forcing yourself to focus in a space that’s not working for you, why not switch things up? Imagine starting your day with coffee on a porch overlooking a lake, taking a midday hike instead of a mindless Instagram scroll, and actually feeling refreshed by the end of the workday.
No Distractions, No Problem
Let’s talk distractions. At home, it’s too easy to get pulled into laundry, dishes, or that one closet you suddenly must organize before replying to an email. At a coffee shop, you’ve got noisy conversations and that one guy who somehow takes all his Zoom meetings on speaker.
When you book a remote work vacation rental near Chicago, IL, you’re setting yourself up for serious focus time. You get:
- No interruptions—just peace, quiet, and your best deep work sessions.
- No household chores tempting you—you’re in a vacation rental, so you can finally stop “just tidying up real quick.”
- More headspace—because a change of scenery actually clears your mind and helps you tackle projects faster than you ever would at home.
At Adeline’s House of Cool, the spacious layout and multiple workspaces mean you can set up your laptop wherever you feel most productive—whether it’s at a rustic wooden table, curled up by the fireplace, or out on the wrap-around porch with nothing but nature around you.
Workcation Perks: Balance Work and Play
Here’s the best part of a workcation: you’re not just working—you’re actually enjoying your environment. Unlike a typical vacation where you unplug completely, a workcation lets you stay on top of work while still having time to unwind.
Here’s how I structure my days:
- Mornings: Deep Work Mode – Knock out my most important projects early while sipping coffee by the lake.
- Midday: Break Time That Actually Refreshes Me – Instead of scrolling social media, I go for a walk, read a book outside, or if I’m staying at Adeline’s, relax by the firepit for a mental reset.
- Afternoons: Meetings and Lighter Tasks – I save calls and admin work for later in the day when I don’t need as much focus.
- Evenings: Log Off and Enjoy – Whether it’s exploring a local town or soaking in the massive 20-foot indoor hot tub at Adeline’s, my evenings feel like actual downtime.
Strong WiFi Plus Quiet Workspaces Equals The Dream Setup
The biggest concern I had before my first workcation? WiFi. Because while unplugging sounds nice, I still have deadlines and meetings that require a stable connection.
That’s why I make sure to book a cabin rental in Wisconsin with good WiFi for working remotely—and Adeline’s has rock-solid internet, meaning I can stream, Zoom, and work without issues.
Other work-friendly features I look for:
- Comfortable chairs and workspaces – Because hunched over a tiny table for hours is not the move.
- Plenty of outlets – Because charging my laptop shouldn’t involve rearranging furniture.
- Quiet surroundings – No honking traffic, just birds, fresh air, and total focus.
Bring Your Best Coworker (AKA Your Dog)
If you have a pet, you already know—leaving them behind while you travel is the worst. That’s another reason I love places like Adeline’s House of Cool—it’s actually pet-friendly.
There’s plenty of open space for morning zoomies, a lakefront setting that’s perfect for walks, and zero city stress. It’s a win for both of us—my dog gets to explore a new place, and I don’t have to worry about booking a sitter.
What to Pack for a Workcation That Actually Works
So, what do you need to pack to make sure your workcation is both productive and fun?
Work Essentials:
- Laptop and charger – Obviously.
- Noise-canceling headphones – Perfect for calls or just staying in the zone.
- WiFi hotspot (Just in Case) – Even though Adeline’s WiFi is great, I always bring a backup.
- Notebook and pens – Because sometimes, writing things down helps more than typing.
Comfort and Convenience:
- Comfy loungewear and slippers – Workcation equals max comfort.
- Coffee and snacks – Because starting the day with your favorite coffee makes everything better.
- A good book – Perfect for those unplugged breaks.
- Swimsuit – Trust me, if you’re staying at Adeline’s, you’ll want to take advantage of The Big Dipper hot tub.
And if you’re bringing a pet:
- Bed and blanket – Something familiar helps them settle in.
- Collapsible bowls – Easy to pack, easy to use.
- Treats and toys – A happy dog equals a stress-free workcation.
So if your home office has been feeling stale, take this as your sign to shake things up, book a workcation, and give yourself the productivity boost you deserve.
