How to Work from Home

For Penn State students, our remote learning period is gradually approaching. This upcoming Thanksgiving break, most students who were on campus will be required to leave and continue the rest of the semester in a remote location.

Students and adults in other locations have already been adapting to a life of working from home, and some are doing better than others. 

So, to stay on top of the ball — or get back on top — here are a few useful tips for academic success in the comfort of your own home.

Allow Time in Your Schedule for Work

Being home, students may find it easier to slack off and take a mini vacation, but it is not the time. For an easier transition into working at home, try dedicating some time to work with limited distractions.

Turn off your phone, get out of bed, and do work at a desk or table. If you can, come out of your bedroom entirely to resist the urge to take a nap. By taking some time out of your day to accomplish some academic tasks, you can increase your productivity each day. Nothing is better than feeling accomplished after completing assignments.

For an extra challenge, treat your days at home like work days. From 9 to 5, you are on the clock doing all you need to do for school. Take a lunch break i -between, of course, and an additional 20-minute break another time. 

If you are diligent in those hours, it could help you tremendously. It also does not have to start so early;  not everyone is a morning person. However, the earlier you start, the earlier you can be done for the day and get some sleep.

Create a To-Do List

There are several other responsibilities you may have to take care of now that you’re home for an extended amount of time. This might include laundry, washing dishes, dealing with parents and siblings, and more. 

So, try to create a list of chores and academic tasks that you want to accomplish each day. 

To-do lists can either be helpful or harmful depending on how you create them. The most important thing to remember while creating your list is to be reasonable! Make sure not to bite off more than you can chew, and take things one step at a time.

If you do it the right way, crossing things off your list will feel really good at the end of the day.

Go to Sleep Early

Sometimes, going back home and starting a break can throw your sleeping schedule off completely. I have heard from many of my friends that “3 a.m. is the new 11 p.m.” for a lot of college students. You may find yourself staying up until the birds start chirping in the morning. 

Try slowly adapting your sleep schedule by waking up at a decent time, and avoid taking naps throughout the day. Waking up earlier can lead to falling asleep earlier, and the cycle will soon repeat itself.

Also, physical activity and productivity throughout the day can help your body feel more tired at night, so it may be easier to fall asleep earlier. Your mind and body need sleep to function, so the more sleep you can get at a decent time, the better. 

Stay Consistent

The last step is simply to rinse and repeat. Consistency in your schedule is most important. The best way to ensure academic success at home is to have a steady schedule that you grow accustomed to — one with healthy and beneficial habits.

With a steady and consistent schedule, you will increase your productivity, and give yourself a better chance of finishing the semester strong. Be persistent and stay encouraged during this time. We know you can make it through.

Do What Works for You

Being at home looks different for everyone. Unfortunately, some home environments are not appropriate spaces to learn, and they can do more harm than good. 

What works for you is not always what works for another person, and that’s OK. If your home is not the best place for you to be productive, try spending your days in public, isolated areas like a public library, or a cafe with free Wi-Fi. 

Some days, getting out of bed is a challenge, and doing work can be mentally and emotionally draining. So, it is important to know and listen to yourself. Try not to overwork yourself. Do what is best for you!

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