Staying motivated whilst studying from home

How to stay motivated when you study from home

I've managed to enjoy doing my college work from home so I thought I would share my tips for anyone who wants to be more self-motivated.

1. I think the most important thing to consider whether you're working from home or not is to choose a course you're passionate about and naturally good at. If you choose something that isn't your passion then that's a challenge in itself. I don't think there's any shame in taking some time out to figure out what you want to get out of your education. This can take many years and I'm so glad I've decided to study at 24 years old because I've made the right choice and it's definitely not something I would of considered in my teens so my advice would be choose wisely and get to know yourself. If you're young, I would start thinking about your future now as there's so many things to consider. 
2. Organisation is key. My memory isn't as good as other peoples, I can be forgetful but I take charge of my life by relying on diaries, journals and organisers to keep me right instead of memory alone so please use an academic diary and don't let yourself forget things. I write down everything, I make lists and I do everything I can to make sure I'm organised. I had my bag packed with all my cute stationary months before I even started my course. Have a think about what resources you need as soon as you're accepted onto your course. Make sure you have everything you need for the year. I bought a new laptop especially for college so investing in the right technology and taking care of your equipment is very important. I'd be lost without my resources! 
3. Take accountability and don't make excuses. Thing's come up and that's life but please sort yourself out and find a way. If you can find a way to get it done then do it, you have to focus on what you can do rather than what you can't. This is a good practice to get into because work ethic is the most valuable thing you can have as an adult and trust me not putting the effort in get's less cool as you age so care about what you're doing and enjoy it.
4. Mindset, sort this out. We can all be positive if we train our mind, I'm not saying it's easy initially but it's worth it. Use affirmations, journals, cheer yourself up because studying at home has it's privileges so do your best to look at silver linings. Think about the money you're saving from not having to travel. You can sleep a little longer in the morning and you have more time to focus on your studying. 
5. Get things done straight away. If you have the tendency to get overwhelmed then this is the kindest thing you can do for yourself. That's why I get things done as soon as I possibly can. If you keep on top of all your work then there's nothing to get stressed about because you're nipping it in the bud instead of letting work build up and emotions fester. I don't know about you but I'd rather not stress myself out by leaving things to the last minute.
6. Ask for help when you need it. By this I mean email your lecturers if you need anything and don't be afraid to do this. If you avoid things you'll just feel anxious so don't be afraid to speak and use any guidance you may require. You have to practice using your initiative and learn to communicate so don't be afraid to seek feedback and give feedback to your lecturers so they know you're work style. People aren't mind readers so if you don't ask you don't get. Complaining without finding solutions is just whining so don't be that person who complains but never actually does anything about it. 
7. Attend every single lecturer. If you're unwell, you can show up without even leaving your bed, that's the beauty of zoom calls. Attending a lecture and listening to them is an easy way to familiarise yourself with the subject. If you miss it then you're left to catch up on it yourself so it's easier to be present and have things taught to you initially before being left to your own devices. 
8. If things do come up and you can't attend a zoom call then please reach out to your lecture or someone from your class so you can catch up or use any study materials you already have to help yourself. Don't let yourself fall behind. It's stressful and it's easier to keep up than catch up.
9. Building confidence, if you're quiet or shy then use zoom calls to work on this. Find the courage to speak up and contribute. This is an excellent way to work on your social skills and boost confidence. The more you keep to yourself, the more socially anxious you'll become. This is coming from someone who grew up shy so believe me it works. It also makes you more bubbly and approachable so if you're someone that needs to work on your charisma then simply be your most charming self by putting yourself out there.
10. Don't procrastinate. People always assume I'm productive everyday but believe me I'm definitely not super productive everyday. I avoid burnout by pushing myself extra hard on the days I'm up for it. There's nothing wrong with enjoying rest-bite as long as you're not habitually lazy. Rest is something you should treat yourself to after tasks, it will feel more relaxing if you use them to unwind instead of letting yourself avoid responsibilities. You'll never truly be able to relax if you know there's things you should be doing instead. When you unwind, you shouldn't back worries in the back of your mind. 
11. Don't distract yourself and structure your days and weeks properly. Distractions can be your phone or your bed. I avoid distractions by working in the living room during the day then swapping to the kitchen or the spare room in the evenings because I work the best in quiet spaces. Figure out your study style then focus. It's all about your set up so set yourself up for success.
12. I've recently sorted my sleeping pattern so I'm going to publish a blog dedicated to this as a good routine is essential for keeping your mind focussed. 
13. Listen to uplifting music in the morning to set you up for the day. When I need to get stuff done then I find music incredibly motivating. I listen to music in the shower and when I'm cleaning because anything is fun if you play your favourite songs. 
14. Make your bed every morning. Especially if you're having a chilled day because it encourages you to stay busy. Completing that first simple task of the day has a knock on effect. Your brain responds well to completing simple tasks such as making your bed so don't underestimate the power of this. There's a reason why soldiers are drummed into this discipline. 
15. Don't work in your bed. Keep your bed a place for unwinding and sleeping. Don't do productive stuff in bed if you can help it.
16. Keep your work environment clean and tidy.
17. Drink plenty of water, take your vitamins and get some exercise in whenever you can. If you take care of yourself everything else is easier so enjoy the self-care honeys. 
18. Get feedback from lecturers and find out what kind of learner you are. Make studying fun and do what works for you. If you make the effort then you'll reap the benefits.
19. Discipline. You aren't always going to be motivated that's why being disciplined is more important. If you don't feel motivated to do the work then you have to force yourself to do it anyway or your giving in to monkey brain. Your monkey brain is thinking of all the fun things you could be doing instead of the things you should be doing but your monk brain has it's priorities straight so channel it. You'll always feel better after you tick something off your to do list so do it for the relief you'll feel after. This tip is from a self help/life coach/spiritual teacher called 'Jay Shetty'.

Generic Motivation Tips

1. There is life-coaching, self-help and therapy accessible to you online if you look for it. Any personal issues that are holding you back can be worked on. Everyone goes through things so use the internet to help you and listen to people that motivate you not drain you.
2. Don't hang about with losers or jealous people. By that I mean, people that have no ambition or don't want the best for themselves because believe me they won't want the best for you either. There are so many people who are full of positivity, good energy and wisdom. I honestly believe you turn into who you surround yourself with so choose your friends wisely. Are you going to work hard if you're surrounded by people who don't? 
3. Make good decisions and don't take drugs etc. In the least judgmental way, I've never met anyone who has improved their life by being reckless so be mindful of the things you're doing in your free time. Do your best to kick any bad habits you have and consider what things are holding you have in life. Have a good head on your shoulders and don't give in to temptations or peer pressure. You want to be inspired not easily influenced.