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4 Ways to Stay Productive When Working From Home

Serena Graziano
Carlianne Brennan
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FIT chapter.

Over the last month, many of us have been practicing self-isolation and social distancing due to the current pandemic. A lot of us are still adjusting to “Zoom University” or virtual learning. Though switching from a face-to-face class to an online platform may be difficult, here are some tips to keep you on track!

1. Find your perfect study spot.

a hand holds a pen writing on sheets of paper on a wooden desk. there\'s a coffee cup and a notebook in front of it.
Free-Photos | Pixabay
Though the typical spots like libraries or local coffee shops are unavailable during this time, this is the perfect opportunity to create your own! Grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and prepare your space. Make sure there are no distracting objects in your surroundings. A tidy space makes for a more concentrated mind. This space can be your bedroom, kitchen counter, or home office! As warmer days are approaching, you can also designate the outdoors as your working area. What better way to get work done than being outside in the fresh air?

2. Go about your normal morning routine.

Woman holding a white mug with breakfast food and a book open on a bed
Pexels / The Lazy Artist Gallery
This may seem silly being that you have nowhere to go, but you are way more likely to get your work done if you follow your normal morning activities. Doing one productive activity in the morning sets your mood for your entire day and will make you way more motivated. Get up, make yourself a good breakfast, get dressed (even if it’s into a fresh pair of pjs), and start your work. 

3. Make a schedule for yourself.

Silver macbook by planner and flowers
Pexels / Alana Sousa
Whether you prefer a digital to-do list like Google Calendar or putting pen to paper, creating a breakdown of what you want to accomplish is super important. I find that I like to make a list of tasks I want to complete for the day in my bullet journal and write what I want to accomplish over the coming weeks in my planner. Once you complete these objectives, go ahead and cross them out! Seeing how much you have actually gotten done feels really good.
Some cute planners I’ve seen that you can order:

Urban Outfitters Daily Planner Journal 

Anthropologie Wit & Delight Stay On Track Spiral Deskpad

Rifle Paper Co. 17 Month Planner 

4. Get rid of potential distractions.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This might be the hardest step when working from home. Our phones are often the largest culprit. I tend to put mine on silent, as well as move it so that it is out of sight. This way, I’m eliminating that tendency to pick it up as soon as I see a new notification. Living with other people can be a challenge as well. Don’t be afraid to let your family or roommates know you’re busy! I live at home with my family and they often want to hang out when I have work to get done. I made a sign for my door that says “Working :),”  so that  they won’t ask me to do something because they know how tempted I may be to say yes. 

Serena is a freshman at the Fashion Institute of Technology majoring in Fashion Business Management. She is planning to minor in Design Thinking. When she is not writing, you can catch her singing, binging New Girl, and exploring the beauty of New York City.
Carli is a 2022 grad of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and served as the style section editor for Her Campus. After being a national style writer for Her Campus, she launched Her Campus FIT. A born and raised Jersey Girl, she is a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. In her spare time she loves running, jamming to Taylor Swift, and tracking down the best burgers. Find her on Instagram @carliannescloset.