How to Be More Productive During COVID-19

If you’re not used to studying at home, it can take time to get used to new challenges that you might not have in the classroom. At home, you are in a more relaxed environment so you may be tempted to procrastinate instead of studying. Here are some tips on how to stay productive while studying at home:

1- Define a study area

When studying at home, we tend to choose the most comfortable area to study but that is the wrong thing to do. While laying down on your bed or couch may be great, you will never accomplish as much as when you are sitting down at a table. Setting up your study space in the kitchen or at a desk will help you achieve more during the day. This will also be better for your brain to define a clear area for study and another for relaxation.

2- Don’t stay in your pajamas

The first thing to do before studying is to get dressed, and the worst thing to do is to stay in your pajamas. There is no need to wear a suit or makeup, but wearing clothes other than sweatpants or pajamas will make you feel more productive. Wearing even just simple clothes will help to put you in the best mindset to learn.

3- Take some self-care time

When you are sitting in front of your screen and can’t seem to get any work done, then it is time to stop. Making some time for yourself will help you be more productive throughout the day. It can be several breaks during the day to exercise or listen to some music. Diet also plays a major role in your well-being and productivity, so make sure to eat healthily.

4- Stick to a schedule

Studying at home is not the same as in the classroom where you have a clear schedule of your day. At home, you will need to create this schedule and routine for yourself, including setting up times in the day for your online classes and others for learning and homework. One of the best things to do before the start of each day is a to-do list where you can list all the goals you wish to achieve during the day. This will help you stay on track and improve your productivity!

5- Disconnect from Social Media

Social media is a big distraction while studying. While it is important to stay in touch with the world and others, make sure to turn off all notifications while you are studying. Even better, turn off your phone so you won’t be tempted to check it every 5 minutes! Only turn it back on after you are done studying. Another advantage is that you won’t see frequent updates regarding the news, which can often be negative at the moment, so it won’t make you feel down.

These are stressful times and may seem like studying is much harder than usual but keep calm and focus on what can be done. It may take a little bit of time to adjust to this new situation and become more productive, so it’s best to take things one day at a time. Give yourself the space to be productive, and don’t get discouraged.