In many states, a shelter-in-place order has been issued, and many more are going to be putting out similar orders soon. So how can students possibly stay productive when everyone else is binge watching Tiger King on Netflix? These tips can help you stay on track and enable you to use this time to get ahead or catch up. Don’t think of this time as a staycation or extended holiday, but as a time to get organized, explore your options for the future and plan ahead. Staying busy is the best way to avoid getting cabin fever and when this is all said and done, you’ll thank yourself for using this time to prepare for future success. 

1. Develop a Schedule and Stick to It

One of the best ways to ensure that you stay productive during quarantine is by making a daily routine, just like you would if you were in school. In a time when everything feels uncertain, having a routine can provide consistency and allow you to get back a sense of control over your life. It doesn’t even have to be as rigid as your normal schedule would be — simply getting up and going to sleep at the same time every night makes a huge difference and is simple to incorporate into your routine. 

2. Stay Connected to Classmates and Family

If you’re currently taking online classes, find a classmate who would be open to short video chats or messaging to study with after class or before a big exam. Having someone to hold you accountable is a great motivator to keep you productive. Having outside contact during this time of social isolation is also a way to make sure you’re staying mentally healthy as well as checking in to make sure your friends and family are staying healthy. It’s not easy to be stuck at home for this long, so you must remain in contact with the people you care about. Also, when your mental health isn’t at its best, any motivation you once had to do something productive may diminish.   

3. Create a Designated Work Space (That Isn’t Your Bed)

Another way to take control is to create a designated “productive” space. This is essential in making sure you get projects and tasks done. There are many ways to go about creating an ideal work environment at home, including saving your bed for sleeping and nothing else. If you’re planning on doing something school related,  get out of bed and sit at a desk or the kitchen table — really anywhere that isn’t your bed should do the trick. Getting dressed for the day like you would if you weren’t stuck at home is a great way to get yourself into a productive mindset. Staying in your pajamas all day, although in theory sounds great, will make it much harder to want to get out of bed! 

4. Be Proactive

The internet is full of helpful tips on how to stay productive and motivated during this time of chaos and uncertainty. It’s also a great place to search for new opportunities that could positively impact your future, such as scholarships you might not have had time to apply for or internships you didn’t know were available near you. The time will come when we can all finally get back to our regular routines, but don’t let that stop you from taking advantage of this unexpected free time you have to explore health career options, form healthy habits and get ahead of the crowd.