since classes are starting, here is a thread of some of my practical tips & suggestions for taking classes (or doing work!) from home!! just a thread of things I am doing to keep my energy alive and help my mind continue to have productive times~

1. Set up your workspace before you get started! Sometimes I lack the energy to do assignments that I know I need to get done, and I procrastinate because I don't want to do them. Setting up my workspace gives me the energy to do things because I feel more capable and less-

overwhelmed by the task after taking a few minutes to set up. Things like clearing my desk, wiping it down, pouring myself a glass of water, and making sure all the materials I need are nearby! For me this helps to get me in the "zone" for working on things

2. Find a favorite container to drink water out of~ whether it's a cup or a mug or a bottle. Have a specific thing to drink water from when you work! For me it's a bottle from another drink that I cleaned out. Having it within arm's reach helps me stay focused when I get thirsty

3. Attend your needs right away. Need to pee? Just go pee. Thirsty? Go refill your water. Feeling cold? Put on a sweatshirt. Feeling sore/tired from sitting? Stand up and stretch. There's no reason to continue to work in discomfort. I know that it's hard when you are working-

against deadlines, especially if you've procrastinated a lot and feel like time is running out. But I believe that the 2 minutes it will take you to take care of your discomforts will help you be more productive than if part of your brain is still thinking about being uncomfy

4. Figure out what brings you energy when you need it. Sometimes I don't feel like I can face an assignment because something in me doesn't feel ready. To counter this feeling of being incapable, I do some tasks that are easier. A good one is wipe down my counters or to refill-

my water filter. Then maybe I'll vacuum and mop the floor or organize my fridge. In times that I feel helpless, I have found things that make me feel once again that I am in control of the things I can do! The tasks might be different for you than for me ^^

5. If you have a portable speaker, try to use it! I don't know how to describe why it helps me, but placing my speaker on my shelf (way above my head) and using it when listening to lectures/music while doing work helps me focus better than headphones do.

6. Phone on silent, and out of sight. I find myself checking my phone often as a distraction when I don't want to do work. If my phone is away and not making noise, then I'm less likely to want to check it. If I really need to have it nearby in case of an important notification,

then I'll put it face up but still on silent, out of arm's reach but still in sight. This way I'll notice it light up out of the corner of my eye if the notification is the one I am waiting for!!

7. Get fresh air. Whether that means going out for a walk or opening up your windows/doors, fresh air makes a big difference. Indoor air pollutants (dust, particles from cooking, etc.) can be more of an issue than outdoor air pollutants. Don't underestimate the power of fresh air

8. Find something you enjoy the scent of and have it nearby when you work. This could be washing your hands with soap you like before hand, having an air freshener, or maybe even a scented candle! Make your sense of smell happy too

9. Even if you're not going out for the day, get dressed in the morning into clothes that you would go out in. When it's time to start winding down, change out of them. The things you wear can change your moods!

10. Find some things that you enjoy doing that don't involve screens. When many things are online, it's important to do things without a screen. If you want to talk to a friend, try voice calling instead of video. For me, sometimes I just lay in bed and stare at the ceiling

11. If you cook for yourself, try to set aside more than the time you will actually need to cook/eat food. Some times when I'm cooking my mind is constantly thinking about needing to get through it as fast as possible because there are other things to do. When this happens I

usually end up making mediocre tasting food or I don't take the time to enjoy what I'm eating. By blocking out an extra 30 minutes for dinner, I can take my time focusing on the food and enjoying it. The quality of your mental break time is vital for your productivity

12. When I feel a sinking feeling that there's a lot to do but I don't want to start doing any of it, I will sit and write down a list of all the things I need to get done. After seeing them in front of me on paper, I can begin to organize them. Some things aren't time sensitive-

and I don't need to worry about them in the moment. Some things are small tasks that I feel more ready to do write away and cross them off the list.

13. If you're like me and you grew up not understanding why people make their beds in the morning, I will tell you why I now make my bed every morning. If I accomplish nothing else in the day, at the very least when I go to bed that night, at least I made my bed :")))

I hope something in this thread inspires you to try something for yourself!!

remember that taking care of yourself looks different at different times. Sometimes it means taking a break and resting your mind. Sometimes it means doing the thing that you keep stressing about. <3