In light of the recent Government announcements many of us are now spending most of our time at home and have had to switch to working or studying remotely.  For most, this is new experience so here are our top tips to maintain a healthy ‘working or studying from home’ schedule.

1. Keep to a routine as much as possible, this includes getting dressed and having breakfast like you normally would before starting your day.
2. Before checking your emails or jumping straight into your work, take some time to complete a physical puzzle such as Rombi or an online puzzle through jigzone.  Puzzles have been proven to help with focus and concentration, therefore preparing you for the task at hand.
3. If you are feeling overwhelmed with tasks, break these down into smaller activities.  A ‘to do list’ which you can then review to prioritise helps you to organise.  Alternatively use technology such as mind mapping software to off load your thoughts that you can then move around into logical and manageable activities.
4. Have regular breaks with time away from the screen or books.  If you have a garden take 10 minutes to walk around in the fresh air.  If you have no access to a garden, get moving by walking around the living room, open the window and take in the view.
5. Remember to refuel.  This includes drinking water regularly, not just cups of tea and coffee.  Take a longer break at lunchtime and enjoy something nourishing – not just chocolate!  Once you’ve eaten take some time to do something different like listening to a podcast/music or doing another puzzle, before going back to the computer screen.
6. Limit distractions.  Turn off the TV, try not to look at social media and take a break from the news.  If working on a particular activity turn off your email for a while so that new messages do not pull your attention away.
7. Use the Assistive Technology that you have access to it – if you’d like to know more about what’s out there to help you with your studies or work, get in touch, we can advise and assist you with suitable software to meet your needs.
8. Stay connected with your work colleagues or fellow students using such as Zoom or Skype, so that you don’t feel completely isolated.  Again, if you need any support getting set up, then let us know as we can help you quickly and easily get to grips with this technology

Lastly, your overall wellbeing impacts your productivity, focus and energy levels.  Therefore, it’s important to take the time to focus on wellbeing practices that work for you, this includes diet, sleep and exercise (physical exercise as well as exercise for your mind).

• Maintain a healthy balanced diet.  Why not pre-plan a weekly meal schedule to help you plan out a variety of healthy dinners.
• Stick to a regular sleep pattern, especially during your working or studying week.
• Keep moving and find a good rhythm that suits you.  Utilise all the free resources that are currently available perhaps PE with Joe Wicks or a daily walk around the block.
• Meditation and Mindfulness activities vary from person to person, just like physical exercise, but there are again lots of free resources readily available such as guided meditations or mindful sessions on YouTube.

If you need support on anything we have mentioned in this post from help with your technology, focus, concentration or organisational strategies then get in touch.  Our experienced team of Assistive Technology Trainers, Study Tutors and Specialist Mentors have the knowledge and skills to help you effectively work or study from home.