The transition to remote working and learning has been understandably difficult for many people, for a variety of reasons. As students, we recognize that it can be difficult to be productive outside of school, and so we have compiled some resources on how to productively study and work from home.
Please note that reputable sources for information related to stress reduction have been cited throughout, and are accessible by clicking on text highlighted in green.
Establishing a Set Space for Work:
Dedicate a space in your home that is solely for work. Your make-shift office can be as simple as a place to sit and place your work materials. The corner of your kitchen table could work, or even a nook in your living room. It’s important to have spaces clearly demarcated by its respective purpose during this pandemic, otherwise you run the risk of feeling overwhelmed in your own home. Try not to work in places where you rest, otherwise you may have trouble falling asleep because you have inadvertently begun associating that area with stressful tasks.
Making Your Home Desk Chair More Comfortable:
If you must sit for long periods of time, quick and affordable tips on how to make your desk chair more ergonomic and comfortable can be found here.
Using a Timer and Incorporating the Pomodoro Technique:
Be sure to set a timer for when you work, allowing yourself a chance to stretch and relax. You can even use variations of the Pomodoro technique, which is an efficient study model, in which you begin by working continuously for a set amount of time (typically 25 minutes), then take a 5-minute break. If you find that a distraction has popped into your head, jot it down onto a separate piece of paper and return to your specified agenda. After the timer sounds, start a tally to record each increment, or Pomodoro. After 4 Pomodoros, take a 30-minute break.
To learn more about the Pomodoro technique, click here. You can, of course, vary the time increments based on your personal schedule and preference.
The Pomodoro Technique Time Table:
Set a timer for 25 minutes to begin your task
Take a 5-minute break after alarm sounds. Be sure to start a tally to record every Pomodoro increment
After 4 Pomodoros, take a 30-minute break
If a distraction pops into your head, write it down separately and return to your task.
Download Apps to Help Prevent Distractions:
If you feel yourself still getting bogged down by online distractions, consider utilizing the Focus and Freedom apps to block designated sites for an allotted amount of time. You can also download Checky to track your smartphone screen time.
Incorporate Exercising Regularly Into Your Routine:
Lastly, be sure to exercise. It is a great stress-reliever, and you should try to incorporate it into your daily schedule. Go out for a walk, but be sure to follow the most updated safety guidelines from your local health authority. If you are unable to go out, there are many exercise videos online from certified trainers. Many are free on YouTube, and often require no equipment.
Many of these tips were sourced from this article. You can read it here.
Remember, be kind to yourself. We will get through this together.