Create a Study Space Free from Distraction
Concentrating on schoolwork can be especially difficult when you’re at home surrounded by distractions and temptations. This is why setting up an organized study space as you continue your classes online is crucial. Your bedroom, a spare room in the house, or even your dining room table when not in use are all good places to set up shop. We recommend somewhere quiet with a table or desk, good lighting to keep you awake, and making sure your space gives you the privacy you need to stay focused. If you do choose to tune into your lectures in your bedroom, try to avoid working from your bed since it’s easy to get too comfortable which can then limit your focus on the task at hand.
Stick to a Routine
Setting a daily routine for yourself to follow while remaining at home can dramatically boost your productivity by helping you stay on track with the goals you hope to achieve in mind. We recommend following a consistent sleep schedule so that you are able to wake up feeling energized and refreshed, ready to learn something new every day. Be sure to also include a designated study time set aside each day to motivate you to get your schoolwork done efficiently. During unprecedented times like these, boredom can be more challenging to avoid than usual. Consider throwing something fun that you enjoy doing into your daily schedule that excites you to positively impact your mood and keep you busy.
Form a Virtual Study Group
It is no secret that social distancing makes us all more prone to loneliness. The good news is that with today’s technology we can all be alone – together. Try hopping on a video chat platform with a few classmates to go over your assignments, study guides, and other learning materials together. Studying with others can help you retain information, stay focused, and even make new friends. Why not give it a shot?
Don’t Try to Multitask
Multitasking can sound like a good idea when you are busy and want to get as much done as possible within a limited time frame. Unfortunately, more often than not, this habit can lead to completing each task with less care than when you are focusing all your energy and attention on one thing at a time. Multitasking can cause you to make mistakes that you wouldn’t have made otherwise and can lead to lower quality work being completed. In order to avoid having to redo some of your tasks later on, it is best to handle one thing at a time before moving on to the next.
Prioritize Mental and Physical Health
Lastly, make sure to always be mindful of both your mental and physical health. The first step to staying productive is to remember to take care of yourself during this time, even if that means adapting and deviating from the routine that you’re used to. If going to the gym is usually how you blow off steam, try taking a jog. If you are feeling lonely while stuck at home, try reaching out to friends and family virtually. Maybe this is the perfect time for you to take up a new hobby or learn a new skill. Try to take advantage of this time and use it to grow.