5 Ways to Stay Motivated During Social Distancing - Colorado State University Global

March 30, 2020

Find a quiet, peaceful corner of your home for your work station. Set up a workspace in your room, in a corner of your apartment, in your den, in a spare bedroom — the most important thing is to reduce noise and distractions as much as possible. For those living with roommates or sharing a home with children and/or a partner, and for whom quiet spaces are few and far between, communication is key. Let your family or roommate know when and where you need to focus and ask that they keep their noise to a minimum. And don’t be afraid to rely on earbuds, if you must!
A clean desk or workspace matters. In a famous Harvard study, participants were nearly twice as persistent in accomplishing tasks when they worked from clean desks, compared to when they worked from cluttered desks. Clear, clutter-free desks increase productivity, reduce stress, and help you stay focused.
Bring in some green. The mere sight of plants has been shown to significantly reduce stress in workers. So, move a house plant close to your workspace, or take advantage of springtime, in the northern hemisphere — if you have a garden, pick some flowers to brighten your space.
Get a comfy chair or a standing desk. You’re not going to be very productive if you’re uncomfortable. Find a chair with good back support or a standing desk that helps keep your computer at eye-level.

Setting up virtual “happy hours” with apps like Zoom or Google Hangouts.
Start a virtual book club with your friends, and make a plan to meet and discuss the book virtually.
Call and check in on your friends, family members, and community connections.
Pick out a movie and make a plan to watch it “together” with your friends, from your own homes.
Support your local community businesses by ordering takeout dinner or lunch, or by purchasing gift cards for use when social distancing requirements have been lifted.

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