Hello hello! I hope you’re doing well today, and are safe and healthy at home. Today I thought I’d do a bit of a different post and talk about what I’ve been doing recently to stay healthy and productive with everything going on. Much like most of you reading this, my life has gone in a completely different direction than I was planning for it to go in the last month. In fact, today, officially marks one month in self-quarantine for me (with the exception of going back to school to move out of my dorm for a few hours). In that time, I’ve had to get used to attending university online while living at home, and not leaving the house at all. I used to think I was someone who couldn’t focus or be productive at home, and was constantly out at libraries or cafes to work, but that’s had to change. It was difficult, at first, but now I feel like I’ve gotten the hang of not only working from home, but making the most out of my time in isolation as well. That said, here are some of the things I’ve picked up, or learned, throughout the process, in the hopes that some of them might help you, too!
1. Create a routine
I’ve found that one of the most important things that helps me be productive at home, especially as a student, is having a daily routine. When I’m at school, this routine is based on the classes I have each day, and where they’re located. Now, the routine is structured around when my Zoom calls are, whether they’re for class, or for virtual study sessions with friends. Setting this routine into place keeps me accountable for getting my work done on time, especially if it involves watching pre-recorded lectures, which are easy to fall behind on. Having a routine also helps me maintain some sense of normalcy and partially feel like I’m still at school instead of on some extended break-but-not-a-break at home.
2. Exercise
Now that most of us can’t leave our houses, it’s so important to make sure that we’re keeping our bodies healthy. At the beginning, I would leave my house to go out for a run every morning, but that’s been making me anxious the last couple weeks, so I’ve started working out at home. We’re so fortunate to live in an age where so many amazing workouts are available to us at home on the internet, if that’s something you have easy access to. Find something that you love and enjoy doing–for me, that’s cardio dance–and look it up on YouTube! My university’s gym is even offering online zoom classes! Try to do some type of physical activity every single day; it’ll make you feel less anxious about staying inside all day, and you’ll be keeping yourself healthy.
3. Stay in touch with friends and family
Just because we can’t go out and see our friends doesn’t mean we have to hole up inside our bedrooms and not talk to anyone. This is what technology is for! FaceTime/Zoom/just call your friends, and get through this time together! I’ve constantly been in touch with my college friends so we can keep each other accountable in regards to studying and doing homework, and I’ve been taking the time to reconnect with friends from high school now that our lives are a lot less busy. You can host virtual hangouts and watch Netflix together, play online board games, or just have a good conversation! I spent this past weekend “virtual baking” with one of my closest college friends, and am exposing another to the joy of the cinematic masterpiece that is Star Wars over Zoom.
4. Look after yourself
Make sure you’re listening to what your mind and body need. It’s okay to feel anxious and scared, and feel isolated. Don’t blame yourself for not being as productive as you want to be. And despite the next tip, don’t feel pressured to invest in a million new hobbies or follow some intense self- improvement regime. Instead, stop and think about what you can do to make yourself feel better. Do you need more social interaction? Do you need more relaxation time? Do you need to exercise more, or eat healthier? Do you need to spend a day only watching Netflix or reading the latest Cassandra Clare (Chain of Gold!)? Only you know what’s best for you, so take this time to work on those things, and make sure that you’re taking care of yourself.
5. Treat this as a time for personal growth
Have you ever wished that you could just do your own thing without having to worry about what other people think? Without feeling like you’re being judged? Do you have that list of ideas in the back of your head–of things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time to begin? Well, now is your golden opportunity. It’s not often we get to just think about what we want as individuals and act on that, but now we’ve been given just that. I’ve been wanting to become healthier physically and mentally for some time now, so I’ve been reading some self-improvement books, and trying to work out regularly. I’ve also been bullet-journaling consistently and *trying* to get into keeping a journal, as well as working on my web design skills! Hopefully, at some point, (most likely after school ends) I’ll get back into practicing the piano!
And that’s it for my big tips on staying healthy and productive during quarantine! Thank you so much for reading! Do you have any tips or things you’ve realized are helpful for you? Are any of them the same as mine! Let me know down below; I’d love to discuss! Sending you lots of love and support, and hoping you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during this difficult time.
As always, feel free to shoot me a DM on instagram @book.noted, send me an email at booknotedofficial@gmail.com, or comment down below! I’d love to get to know you <3
<3, g
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