1st April 2020
Whilst we are based in our homes for the foreseeable future, we put together some tips to make sure you still get the most of your study time and learn as if you are still physically attending College. These tips will also work if you are working from home as well! So let’s get straight into it.
1. Get dressed and ready for the day
There will always be the temptation to lounge around in your dressing gown, and not worry about getting ready if no one will see you. But it really helps mentally set you up for the day if you keep to your normal routine as much as possible. So, get washed, get dressed, even do your make-up if that’s what you do, so you feel fresh and ready to tackle the day ahead.
2. Create your own space for studying
It’s really important to not mix up the spaces you use for relaxing and studying. It can have a very negative psychological effect on you if your place of relaxation is also your place of work. Even if you’re limited to living in a small space like a studio flat, then you should have clear boundaries of where your work and studies will take place. Keep your computer, laptop, or tablet that you’re using to do your work in that space so that your work doesn’t follow you around when you take a break.
3. Organise your time
As mentioned before, try and continue your normal routine as close as possible. There are bound to be some adjustments as you are in a different environment to normal. But make sure to stick to your timetable, or make a new one that suits your circumstances, so that you can keep to deadlines and continue learning and developing your skills as if you were still coming to College as normal.
4. Fuel your body and brain
This may seem obvious but if you don’t follow the first few tips and stick to your routine, fuelling your body properly can also slip. If it does, it will make you less productive, less focused, and it can cause a number of health problems. Make sure you eat three meals a day, breakfast being especially important to set you up for the day. Drink plenty of water regularly to keep yourself hydrated. Try to incorporate exercise into your routine now that we are all based at home. Even the exercise you get just from walking to classes is gone so try and make up for that. Perhaps even take the opportunity to go further and improve your fitness by committing to a new exercise routine. Finally, make sure you get plenty of sleep. This, along with everything else, will keep you feeling happy and positive about learning and studying
5. Take regular breaks
It’s easy now that you don’t have to leave the house, for work or classes, to just keep studying all day long. But as part of organising your day, make sure you set aside time to take regular breaks away from your work, to break up your studies. This will make you much more productive as your brain will be stimulated by focusing on something different before returning to your work.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
We’re all in the same boat here. So reach out to people if you’re struggling with your studies, the circumstances of COVID-19, or anything else, stay in contact with friends and family. It’s important to maintain social interaction so that you feel less alone, especially when it comes to your studies. It could be that a friend on the end of a phone has the answer you’re looking for or could be in the same situation. Others might not be confident enough to say that they are struggling so check in on your friends and loved ones too. Make the most of our connected world and stay social.
7. Make time to relax
As well as taking regular breaks, you need to make time to relax and completely switch off from your work and studies. It’s important and healthy to leave the work at your desk when you would normally finish and enjoy yourself. Working all hours of the day will ultimately lead to less being achieved as your brain will not be working at its peak so it’s more efficient to make time to relax and most importantly you get to sit down, watch TV, play games, enjoy a hobby, and do whatever you feel like doing.
