What have you been doing to keep yourself motivated? We have all learned a few tricks over the past year, right? On the ACX team we have three student content creators and we wanted to share some of the advice we have and things that have worked to keep us motivated when studying and working from home!
Set up your space
First things first! A dedicated space for learning is important! Even if it’s just a corner of a room, having “school space” and “not school space” can be so helpful.
“Set up your workspace in a space away from where you usually relax and spend your “not school” time. I find this helps me shut my brain off and prevents me from thinking about school or work during my free time. Personalize your workspace and make it a place you actually want to spend time. Classes are long and you will be spending a lot of time at your desk so it’s important to make it a place you enjoy. For example, I always have a candle, a funny calendar, and some cute office supplies that make the space my own.” – Abby
Build routines
Routine and structure can be so helpful when you have to independently motivate yourself at home. Having routines in the morning and evening can help both your brain and body recognize that they are either getting ready for the day ahead and it’s time for focus or that it’s time to wind down for the evening and step away from work & school.
Do you miss the ‘commuting time’ when you could clear your head and separate home life and school life? “Try taking a walk around the block and then when you return it’s like getting to school or the office for the start of the day.” – Paige
Create your atmosphere
We all learn differently and function better in different atmospheres, but studies have shown that music can help you study better. YouTube is a great source for hours of music to promote studying.
“I miss being able to study in coffee shops and libraries but have come across some great YouTube Channels (Autumn Cozy, Calmed by Nature, or simply search music & ambience) that offer the sounds and atmosphere of those spaces. I find it can be a great way to help me focus or get back into a working headspace.” – Paige
Make lists & plan, plan, plan!
“Having a planner where you can organize your “must do’s” of the week!” – Julia
“Being able to see what I need to do and what I can tackle right now motivates me to get started and also keep going! I have a weekly day planner, daily to-do lists, and a large peel & stick chalkboard next to my desk where I put the tasks that are coming up and I break larger projects into smaller manageable pieces.” Paige
Check out this daily planner that Julia put together to help you plan out your days. Click on the photo to see and download the full version.
Try out focus apps & methods
“Apps like BeFocused can help you be more productive with your time while also getting you to take time to relax between assignments.” – Julia
Try out the Pomodoro Technique, a time management technique that uses a timer to break work down into intervals. It can help increase your productivity and also make you feel a little less worn out or tired at the end of the day.
Break up the day with some fun & silliness!
“5 Minute Dance Parties! Sometimes you need a break and to reinvigorate your mind! You are going to feel silly but you’re also going to feel great after, I promise! Throw on a song or two that you love and just dance it out. This gets you moving, helps destress, and trust me it’ll probably also make you laugh which can be wonderful, we all need more laughter in our lives.” – Paige
Set deadlines & make sure to reward yourself
“Having a ‘Reward Yourself’ time after finishing tasks is essential! Watch that movie you were wanting for so long, go for a walk, treat yourself to your favourite cake / chocolate, read a book, etc.” – Julia
“I’m most motivated when I make plans to go for a walk or visit (at a distance) with a friend at a set time. It sets a specific deadline by which I have to be done my work because someone else is holding me accountable, which in turn motivates me to be more efficient with my time.” – Paige
There are lots of tools, methods, and tricks out there, so try a few out!
Finding what works best for you is an essential piece to being a successful student!
I’ve heard this so many times in the past year and while they may sound like the same thing, when it comes to how you learn, they are actually a little bit different. It’s important to know the difference, especially if you have the option to select between the two so that you can make sure you’re involved in the one best suited for your learning style.
