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We are weeks into our COVID-19 lockdown and working from home is a new reality that is likely to continue for a while. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to set up your space for a productive study environment. We know we cannot take for granted that students have their own bedrooms, unlimited access to the internet or a steady supply of uninterrupted electricity. Still, we hope that the tips below can help you create an environment for yourself where you can learn and continue to prioritize your education.

Dedicated Work Space

Step one, set up a space or surface for yourself where you can comfortably have your books, notes, stationery and computer/tablet/laptop. Try to keep the work surface clear of clutter and distractions, so that you can focus on your study materials. A desk or table is ideal. If there is no free table, you can use a counter surface in the kitchen. If you do not have access to any of these you can work with a make-shift lap tray: sit on your bed using the wall as back support, put a cushion and tray on your out-stretched or crossed legs and use that as a surface for writing and typing.

Comfortable Space

Make sure that where you are working is comfortable. You should have enough light so that you do not strain your eyes. Sit in a position that does not cause pain and discomfort to your neck and back – good posture is vital. If the noises from outside are not too distracting open the window for good ventilation so that you can stay awake and alert. If your house has the space, set yourself up in an area where there won’t be too many disruptions and where you can spend blocks of time without getting interrupted. Comfort can also mean that you have something pleasant to look at, if you are spending 6-8 hours a day in your work corner, put up some inspiring images and phrases on the walls around you.

Stock Up On Stationary

Simple as this may seem, having the right supporting resources is an easy thing to overlook. Try to get the necessary stationery, and make sure they are within easy reach of your work area. Put them out on your desk or lay them next to you on your bed if you are working with a lap tray. The basics, depending on the subjects and whether or not you have an electronic device, are a pen or pencil and paper or a notebook. If you have an electronic device you can make and store your notes on it and even create voice notes to playback to yourself for easy revision. Also, refer to the post about free online learning tools during COVID-19 lockdown for additional tools available to make studying at home easier.

Daily Structure

We’ve heard this everywhere and every day, but that’s because having a structure and timetable for your day is that important. According to your learning speed, identify how many hours you need in a day to get through your subjects. Setting up your workspace will be informed by this need as you will then know how long you’ll need a work area for, whether you’ll need to move around to accommodate the other people in your house, etc. Organize your day into blocks of 30-45 minutes. The human brain needs short breaks between periods of intense concentration, in order to remain focused. Factor in multiple 5 minute pauses to walk around, drink water and even do some simple exercises to keep your body energized, and have 2 long breaks for meals and recreation.

Stay Connected With Peers

Finally, even though we are operating in a distance learning model, having contact with other learners in your year is helpful to remain on track. You can set up study groups with classmates on a social media platform that works for you – see our post on digital platforms for better online learning for more ideas. Having a study group keeps you accountable, you can share resources and if you are struggling someone in the group can help or motivate you.

All the best with making studying work from home! Let us know in the comments section how you’ve been managing so far.

Living, learning and working in isolation has brought about new lessons, certain freedoms and a number of challenges to the way we do things. We’re finding that what we took for granted – close contact with fellow students and teachers and a rigid and monitored timetable – actually contribute positively to our learning experiences. There is something to be said for sharing study spaces with other like-minded individuals who are experiencing similar things to us. That hasn’t completely disappeared, but it has dramatically changed for now.

Change your mindset and habits

One of the challenges with the temporary shift to a distance learning model is adapting your way of thinking about the disciplines of the classroom and bringing some of those routines and expectations into your home environment. This starts with a change of mindset and behaviours.  Home has become the centre for all activities. Prioritizing your time will be based on self-determination and discipline.

It is important to leave some time for yourself between waking up and getting started with your work. That buffer zone to mentally prepare for concentrating and learning is needed. You now need to intentionally prepare your mind. Having a routine, some time to quietly gather your thoughts and a set structure for the day will help you build a learning and working pattern. This is similar to how you prepare for exams but may have less of a sense of urgency. It is just as crucial though, so make the effort to put a plan in place for getting through your work.

When you are living in a house with many distractions, it’s a big challenge to get into the headspace for a demanding day of school work. There may be younger relatives playing and making a noise, parents working from home and doing chores, dogs barking and noises outside. It is especially important then to mentally prepare for work mode and find ways to concentrate through the disruptions. This could be working with background music to block out ambient noise, finding a spot out of the high traffic zones or just going with the flow and accepting the background noise as part of your study routine. For now, you will be the one solely responsible for your participation in and contribution to your academics. This, above all, takes discipline and tenacity because you know you are working towards your own goals.

Build a routine

To support your self-disciplined approach, follow a daily schedule. Ticking things off as complete on your to-do-list tracks your progress and can be really motivating. Remember to take short breaks between subjects to allow some time for your brain, eyes, and ears to relax. Stay hydrated with water and move around, even do short bursts of exercises so that your body doesn’t become fatigued. Ever notice how lying down or staying seated for hours actually makes you tired? Doing your studies this way is preparing you for the new working world as many companies practice flexible work arrangements. It’s become the norm in corporate businesses and amongst entrepreneurs to work remotely and not necessarily be based at an office full-time.

Stay connected

While practicing social distancing continue interactions with classmates, friends, and mentors, just do it digitally. Consider starting a WhatsApp study group. Sharing experiences with contemporaries alleviates stress and goodness knows there’s been a lot of tension going around with everybody confined to very close quarters. In an upcoming post, we’ll talk about using social media to not only maintain recreational social relationships but as platforms for connecting with fellow students, working in groups, and hosting discussions. Stay strong and stay motivated!