Studying from home is a change of pace for many students. Adapting to a new way of learning can be difficult and is especially tough during this time. Setting up a healthy routine and sticking to it when studying from home is essential not only for your own wellbeing but also so you are able to work to the best of your ability.
We know that being healthy means getting enough sleep, exercise and nutrients – but with things in the world changing every day, the added stress can make it difficult to stay on top of things. It’s ok to be overwhelmed! Try and follow these tips to make sure you are looking after yourself throughout this period.
Be kind to yourself and set realistic expectations
It’s important to take it easy on yourself during this time and to not beat yourself up if you’re not as productive as you are normally or start falling into unhealthy habits. Nobody’s perfect and everyone is feeling the extra stress right now so remember to give yourself a break.
Set up a routine for your day at home and stick to it:
Getting into a healthy routine as soon as possible is essential to make sure you are performing the best you can be in the circumstances we are facing. Start by making healthy habits as including setting designated hours for work, eating, exercise, relaxing and rest. The below graphic sets out an example of a healthy morning routine which can be varied depending on your circumstances and the way you study best.
Look to other students for inspiration as well. Third year Bachelor of Visual Communication Design student, Libby Arnold often posts pictures on Instagram to show how she is going with studying from home.
Regarding maintaining a routine Libby says, “I try not to think about the difference in workspace and just get on with my normal routine and do my work, I miss face-to-face conversations with my friends but I can still talk to them online which means if I don’t want to be disturbed I can just put my phone away.”
There’s plenty of insta-influencers out there posting about their study at home routines, follow your favourite ones and get some ideas of how to craft your day. Try searching up #studygram or #studyinspiration.
Set designated meal times and stock up your pantry with healthy food
Setting designated times throughout the day for meals and snacks and sticking to them is important so your body can get into a routine. Also, try and eat away from your desk so that work time and meal time remains separated
Additionally, studying from home means easy access to unhealthy snacks and anything else you may be craving. It is important that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to produce the energy for completing your university work so make sure to pick out some healthy ingredients and snacks to keep if when you get hungry throughout the day.
The university has plenty of info on eating healthy, and you can find heaps of resources and tips/tricks right here on the Navigator website.
Get your body moving every hour
Sitting for long periods of time without any movement can cause health issues later in life. Although studying may require you to be seated consider investing in a stand-up desk which allows you to move around whilst working. Whether you work sitting or standing, it is important to get up every hour and stretch out your body, even if it’s only for a short period time the process will help to keep your mind and body refreshed so you can get on with your work.
Schedule in time for yourself
Whether you’re watching Netflix, using social media, calling a friend or reading a book, remember to make time to do the things you like and that help you relax and recharge. Just because you’re studying from home does not mean that you have to be productive all the time and setting aside time to do the things you want to will decrease the risk of burnout.
For info updates on the University’s response to COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 page.