The dos and don'ts of studying from home

Learning from home comes with plenty of perks, but a few hurdles too. Privacy goes out the window. Group assignments take even more effort. And the allure of bed can feel too close to handle. 

So to help keep you on track, here's a few dos, don'ts and disciplines of studying from home. 

1. Stay on track

With all the temptations of home and our regular schedule out of whack, it's easy to slip into sloth-mode. So it's good to stick to a routine. No matter how you're feeling, get up, dress up and show up.

DO: keep up your extensive skincare routine. 

DON'T: let your pyjamas become a uniform.

2. Stop procrastinating

Sometimes it’s hard to find motivation, and that can lead to procrastination. If that sounds like you, you might be a ‘last minute’ worker, putting off a project for as long as possible, until a looming deadline forces you into action. Stress can be a powerful motivator, but typically relying on it to break the cycle of procrastination is a bad habit.

Luckily, if you want to stop procrastinating and avoid last minute stress, there are plenty of ways to get started. For example, the next time you’re faced with a project where you’re procrastinating, try breaking it down into smaller tasks, and tackling them in short 20 or 30 minute sessions. Setting yourself a specific time to work on something can make it easier to get started. And if you want even more tips, why not check out our article on overcoming procrastination.

DO: study at a time that suits you.

DON'T: put everything off 'til tomorrow.

3. Get set up

With your bed constantly calling your name, it's important to be disciplined about your study setup. Desk or no desk, work with what you've got to create your own study sanctuary. Find the best location, ideally near a window or source of natural light, and find a comfortable chair that prevents you from spending the day slouching.

DO: get comfortable.

DON'T: get too comfortable.

4. Stay put

Your professors and classmates are all of a sudden all up in your personal bubble, which might get a little intrusive. So for the sake of your privacy, stay in one spot during video calls and don’t walk around your home.

DO: wear pants.

DON'T: pull a Jennifer.

5. Take time for recovery

We’re not talking about scrolling through social media or lounging in front of a screen each night. Recovery time should help us recover both physically and mentally. This includes making sure you’re checking in and not neglecting your relationships while you’re studying from home.

Social isolation can be harmful to our mental health and even our immune system. So it's time to swap memes, get up to date with those group chats and teach Grandma how to video call. 

DO: stay connected.

DON'T: become a vlogger.

There you have it. Five simple dos and don'ts to keep your eyes on the prize when studying from home. Of course, everyone works differently, so you do you. And all the best for ignoring the sweet siren call of your bed.