I hope you’re all well – staying safe and keeping calm during these worrying times. I don’t know about you, but I sure have been struggling a little to find my footing after spontaneously moving back home for the remainder of the semester. So, here are three things I am working on to make the most of my time at home.

1. Get back into a routine

First and foremost, it seems like the day has lost all semblance of structure. I have talked about finding a productive routine before and I’m sure this will be easier once lectures are happening online. But at the moment – why would I leave my bed in the morning, if I’m not going anywhere?
So, at right now I’m all about getting back on a reasonable sleep schedule – hello 7 am alarms! That way I at least have the whole day to split up between productivity and hobbies.

2. Uni & productivity

Part of that routine is dedicating time to be productive – which is probably going to be working on uni things for most of us. Whether or not your exams have been cancelled, there’s still a lot to keep up with.

• Set up your work environment
  I don’t know about you, but for me it’s been almost 3 years since my desk at home has seen any studying or homework. I just found a piece of discarded high-school French homework in my drawer, which is just not something I want to see ever. again. So, get your working environment in order! Clear out old stuff to make room for your laptop and materials, make sure you’re set up for online lectures, etc…
• Keep an eye out for emails
  Make sure to check your emails regularly. The school and university frequently send updates on the situation, as do our lecturers.
• Keep up with assignments
  This is a bit of a no-brainer: if you have assignments due, keep working on them! This is what most of my time is going towards currently.
  I’ve developed this irrational fear that I’ll wake up one morning and find I have accidentally slept through deadlines.  
• Catch up on reading

3. Hobbies

Luckily, I was able to head back home, where I can do a bunch more things without leaving my house. Your options may be limited, depending on where /how you live, but here are some suggestions:

• Find a creative outlet
  This could be anything. Play any instruments you have access to. Write that story idea that’s been swirling around in your head. Do some drawings …
• TV series
  I’ve finally gotten out of my binge-watching habit! But if you find yourself with extra time on your hands, I have lots of recommendations.
  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Doctor Who (I’ve only seen the modern series), Dr House, Sherlock, Hannibal, Lucifer, Derry Girls …. the options are endless.
• Move
  I’m really not a gym or fitness person whatsoever; but shock, horror it turns out you get in way less steps if you don’t leave the house. So… my sister and I have been trying to brave the world of YouTube workout videos – just to get a little bit of exercise in.
• Cooking / baking

Lastly, have a dog photo cheer you up:

Take care everyone!