George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Stop for a moment and take a deep breath. This is a difficult time and it’s okay if you are feeling overwhelmed with all that is occurring in our world. To help to create a little more stability, George Brown College Counsellor Lavlet Forde has some suggestions on how to create healthy routines while working at home.
Make a schedule
To develop healthy routines, begin with creating a schedule. People are most productive when following a schedule that aligns with their productivity style. For example, if you know you work best in the morning, make sure that mornings remain a dedicated time for completing important projects.
Take some time to consider what tasks you would like to complete over the next few days – including projects and assignments, exercise and connecting with others. Roughly estimate how much time you would like to dedicate to these responsibilities and activities, and then create a schedule that blocks off time for each of them.
Choose a dedicated workspace
A dedicated workspace can help you focus on the tasks you are trying to complete. Your workspace doesn’t have to be anything elaborate – a desk, kitchen table and/or countertop all work well. Clear off the surface area, gather all of your supplies (pens, paper, computer, etc.) and have a few snacks nearby and your water bottle to stay hydrated.
Consider trying out a few locations in your home to see which workspace works best for you. Once you’ve found the best spot, try to keep working in the same space each day. A consistent and dedicated workspace will help your mind and body focus. Check out this great video on how to create a productive workspace.
Develop a morning routine
Try to continue to go to bed and wake up at the same time. A consistent sleep schedule will help you be more productive. Want some tips on how to get a good night’s sleep? Check out this video for tips on getting a good night's sleep.
Here are a few other tips to help with your morning routine:
- Take a few minutes every morning to get your workspace organized.
- Review your personal schedule to see if you need to make any changes.
- Exercise and keep your body moving. Try to spend five to seven minutes stretching each morning – this will help relax your body and your mind.