Steps to Stay Motivated While Working from Home

Working from home can be incredibly distancing and distracting, and with Governor Inslee’s recent Stay Home, Stay Healthy directive, heading to the local coffee shop or library is not an option; so, here are some great tips for staying motivated while working from home.

Maintain regular hours and set a schedule. 

Law students’ lives are strictly regimented with classes, due dates, internships, externships, work study, community service, and a host of other necessary components to be successful in the field; and, when something unexpected occurs, like a pandemic, trying to maintain your motivation while stuck at home can be incredibly difficult. Setting and keeping a schedule will keep you accountable for the hours you need to put in every day to either write a brief or complete a research journal. If unable to do this on your own, look into downloading a phone app that can help you with your time-management skills, such as RescueTime, Todoist, or Focus Booster.

Create a morning routine. 

Getting out of bed might be the hardest thing in the world when it’s snowing outside and your nice and comfy under the covers. Creating a morning routine and sticking to it will help offset the need to stay in bed or away from work. Go running, take your shower, get dressed, make yourself some coffee and/or breakfast, and you will be surprised about how much easier it is to then sit down and get to work.

Schedule breaks and take them in their entirety. 

Make sure that you are not getting so engrossed in what you are doing that you are not taking care of your physical and mental health. Taking regular breaks can help with overall productivity and allow you to reset yourself to continue working on whatever it is that you need to get done. Step outside for some fresh air, go for a walk or job, or make yourself a snack; just make sure that you are stepping back every now and then and disconnecting from your computer.

Socialize with others in your same predicament. 

One of the hardest issues of working at home away from other students is the lack of social interaction that you would normally get by attending classes, working in student organizations, tabling on the first floor, etc. Make sure that you are not socially isolating during this time by setting up online friends or study groups via Zoom or Skype chats. All Gonzaga University students should have access to Zoom. If you need assistance in setting this up, please contact ITS at 509.313.5550.

We are all feeling the stress from the changes COVID-19 has wrought on our lives but just following these simple steps may help your productivity and motivation grow daily.

Stay Home, Stay Healthy.