(Note: this post was written by Kelsey Smith and Lindsey Bratton with NWA Brand, a marketing company in Bentonville focused on branding, social media and websites led by Smith, a 2017 agricultural business graduate of Bumpers College)
Over the past month, college students across Arkansas and the nation have been adjusting to fully online classes because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our students and staff have been resilient during the adjustments that we’ve made.
While it may be tempting to curl up with your computer on the couch, studies show that designating a space to accomplish your coursework can help you succeed. At Bumpers College, our staff is dedicated to equipping you with tools for success regardless of the landscape. We wanted to share a few tips to help you excel in your online classes.
Designate a space
Not everyone has a desk, after all, no one could have predicted the work-from-home arrangements being so suddenly implemented. If you don’t already have a desk, consider re-purposing a used piece of furniture such as a TV cabinet. If the thought of re-purposing is out of the question and you don’t have the luxury of a desk, consider the kitchen table. While this arrangement may require you to be mobile with your work, that could also be a valuable part of your routine that you’re keeping – packing up your items (even if it is to walk to the kitchen table).
The objective of designating your workspace is so that your mind knows that it’s expected to engage in that area so that you can feel adjusted and organized, and to improve your health. Sitting in an office or table chair compared to a recliner can prevent slow health issues such as neck and back strain or headaches.
Set the tone
When selecting your work-from-home space, it’s important to considering lighting, aesthetics, and the likelihood of interruption.
- Lighting – Optimizing the amount of natural lighting, especially, aids in reducing eyestrain, headaches and blurred vision symptoms, which can detract from productivity. In short, ensure that your space is well lit, especially by our natural source of light, the sun.
- Aesthetics – So you’ve browsed Pinterest for the past two hours and your space isn’t looking like a perfectly curated white space, we’re with you. Three elements to consider might be minimal decorations, a pop of color and maybe a plant that can reduce stress and boost creativity.
- Reduce Interruption – If you’re living with your family or a roommate, there’s a good chance that you are not the only one spending excessive time at home. Get creative by converting a hallway closet, designate an area in your bedroom.
Get organized
From organizing your space to organizing your day, the organization has a direct correlation with performance. Organization reduces a sense of overwhelm, helps to clear your head, and helps you to gain a sense of control in a time where everything may feel just a bit out of control.
- Would if someone could get a quote on primary, secondary and tertiary desk areas.
- Outline your day so that your deep work is completed while you are most energized.
- Check your email and communications portal daily so that you can stay up to date with your university and classes.
- Set your start and finish times, this can allow you to keep some routines and feel accomplished.
Get moving
Sedentary behaviors have a direct impact on health. Countless studies point to inactivity as a direct correlation with serious health issues such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and even premature death. Experts recommend getting up and moving every 30 minutes, even if it’s a simple stretch. In case you’re needing permission, it is okay to take a break! If you begin to feel overwhelmed or are struggling with something, simply get up and move around. Do some stretching, a walk around the block or whatever is something that you can do to keep your body moving and your blood flowing!
Hydrate
According to the American Heart Association, if you’re hydrated, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. The AHA states that dehydration can be a serious condition that can lead to problems ranging from swollen feet or a headache to life-threatening illnesses such as heat stroke. The human brain is composed of 95% water, lungs are 90%, blood is 83%, muscles are 76%, and bones are 22% water states the H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry. This breakdown proves that hydration is key to keeping your mind sharp and your body healthy! Staying hydrated improves mental performance and your learning ability by helping the brain transmit and receive information. If it helps you, set a reminder to take a drink. If water is uneventful, add lemon, cucumber or another fruit or natural flavor to enhance it.
Keep up the great work. We will get through this, together!
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