The early part of 2020 catapulted the world into isolation. For many working professionals, the effect was quite immediate. Within a few days, the way we were working changed fundamentally. Our homes would serve as our place of residence as well as our place of work. Those already studying online, or those who wished to study online, had a challenging schedule to implement. The following article provides three tips to help you succeed in every aspect of your life, albeit under one roof.
Tip #1: Structure your Days
It seems excessive for some, but structuring your days in this setting is essential. To begin, create a timetable which focuses on allocating time for meals, exercise, relaxation and family/friends. This may sound counter-intuitive, but these are the ‘must-have’ elements to foster success. Starting here will help you cope with a hectic schedule, while managing to complete your work and study deadlines. It is also helpful to think outside of the normal working day structure, i.e. the classic 9 – 5pm. You may find it is far more effective to utilise the 24-hour clock, often clearing those emails before your normal working day begins. One of the biggest advantages of working and studying from home is removing the time-consuming travel to work, meetings and in-class lectures. Use this additional time effectively, and don’t waste it. Lastly, when you live, work and study from home, you may notice it can come with challenges. Often it is difficult to separate one part of your life from the other. One task can lead directly to the next, so take conscious breaks and disconnect from work before you start to study.
Tip #2: Maintain a Consistent Exercise Routine
Keeping active is particularly important when we are stuck indoors for large portions of the day. Starting with a simple and easy suggestion: a 20-minute walk. A walk will refresh you and help you clear your head before re-engaging on work or study. Another useful tip is to host your meetings by phone where possible, so you can walk while you talk.
This is a great way to use time effectively and give your body and mind the space it needs to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. A consistent exercise routine will also aid your sleep and mood, which often suffer during demanding work and study cycles. Learn to appreciate this time and not view it as an additional chore.
Tip #3: Make Time for Family and Friends
Following long periods of self-isolation and on-going social distancing protocols, it’s now more important than ever to make an effort to keep in contact with family and friends. However, when juggling many priorities concurrently, we often forget those around us. We are fortunate to have a wide range of technology available to us. Staying connected has never been easier. Allocate time for this activity, which sounds very clinical but will help you separate your study from your home-life. Also, connecting with family and friends when taking on online study whilst working can provide support and instil confidence when you most need it. No one is an island.
This article was written by Mark Howard.
Recent Comments