set yourself up for success with simple strategies to limit distractions and improve Working and studying from home

Your spring semester was probably in full swing when critical measures to protect communities against COVID-19 threw a giant curveball: campuses closed and students were shipped off back to the safety of their homes. Despite the change of scenery, though, the learning continues along with homework, group projects, exams, career preparation and skill-building. The show, or rather the education, must go on (albeit in new, innovative ways).

Have you found yourself wondering how to successfully adapt from your usual work or study environment to your home?

Whether Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Groups or Students, we are all experiencing a unique and unprecedented reality, pushing each one of us to adapt. The CampusGroups team would like to help you adjust from your life on campus to working or studying remotely from home.

Here is a checklist of best practices for you!

Maintain a daily routine to keep track of time

Continue setting up your alarm clock every morning, get dressed, and start working at the same time every day. Allow yourself time to take breaks during the day. Data has shown the average workday has increased by 2-3 hours in the United States as workers are forced to be remote. Schedule time for yourself in the time where you would normally commute to get exercise or engage in another activity.

Set up your “work” space separate from your “home” space

Make sure you work or study somewhere you would not go for breaks, lunch or relaxing. Having separate areas helps your mind “pause” from working to relaxing. Avoid working or studying from your bed, which should be used only for sleeping. Try to make your space as ergonomic as possible (and keep good posture!) to avoid unnecessary strain on your body.

Follow the 20/20/20 rule

With more time at the “office”, more time is inevitably spent on our computers and other devices. To reduce eye strain, follow the well-known 20/20/20 rule. For every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, spend 20 seconds looking at an object at least 20 feet away.

You can also check out this article: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321536

natural light boosts productivity! Be sure to set up your workspace near a window.

Make sure your workspace is close to a window

Having light and space in front of you is key for your mind and positivism. Exposure to natural light helps boost mood and mark the progress of the day. Just make sure to avoid direct light near your computer screen to reduce glare and strain on your eyes!

Isolate physically, not socially

Being away from the bustle of campus to a much quieter apartment/house can be a big switch and it’s natural to feel lonely. Make sure to schedule a time for social events with friends and colleagues/classmates. If you find yourself struggling, seek mental health help. If there is not a resource available through your campus, virtual counseling services like Talkspace or Betterhelp are ways to receive mental care from home.

Check out some of our virtual programming ideas for engaging off-campus events and activities!

Take some time for yourself

Campus closures and social distancing requirements give us extra and precious time during our day. Let’s use it to adapt smoothly to our new daily life. Make a list of things you never have time to do, and set a plan to achieve them. Alleviate stress by going for a walk if you live in an area where you can practice safe social distancing. Don’t forget to open your windows every day to get some fresh and recycled air. Read that book that has been sitting on your bedside table for months! You can also take advantage of the multitude of free tutorials that social media and TV channels are offering now to learn new skills or do your workout. Finally, this is the perfect timing to tackle your spring cleaning and get off to a fresh start when this is all over!

Want to learn more about how CampusGroups helps keep students connected, virtually engaged and efficiently manage online programming? Please check out our blog post on Communications and Community with COVID-19, or feel free to reach out to chat with one of our team members on a quick demo call.