Sleep, Study & Us
One of the largest workplace effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is the rise in individuals working from home as a permanent employment option. In fact, as of February 2022, nearly 6 in 10 workers are working from home even after Covid-19 restrictions lifting. As a high school distance learner for the majority of this pandemic, I have enjoyed regulating my everyday routine at my own pace and I have much more time for self-care and to take care of my doggy (he is a pandemic-pup). However, the balance that home-work entails can be tricky to navigate. Above all, it can be especially difficult to disassociate a work environment from that of a restful environment. Constant interactions between these separate aspects of life can make it difficult to calm down and even work productively. By separating the environment associated with work, and the environment equated with self-care and rest, we can enhance our overall happiness and work ethic.
My mini journey
Let’s set the stage. I have a desk in my room. Well, had. It was positioned diagonally across from my bed, so I was basically in sight of all of my work, books, homework -stress - at all times. And to be frank, this was so efficient! I mean, everything I needed was in one location. I could send emails and take notes when I wanted, and then lay on my bed to binge whatever show I was currently obsessed with on Netflix. Of course, there would be instances in which I would be finishing up Calculus notes on my bed, or scrolling through TikTok in my desk area, mixing up the two connotations each area individually provides. I felt the ramifications of this lifestyle as it, unfortunately, affected my daily routine and well-being, and for the longest time, I could never understand why. My sleep schedule was merely non-existent, and my work was often forced, sloppy, and unenjoyable. There would be times at 11 pm I would catch a glimpse of my half-done to-do list whining from my desk, feeling the immense pressure to complete these tasks. Other times, because I was so used to procrastinating in my work area, too, I would go on my phone when I should have been watching and taking video notes, utilizing any distraction to demote my productivity. Or, I would be tossing and turning in my bed, still stressing about certain events or work to be done, as I felt I could not relax properly due to the previous emails I had sent from that very spot just 40 minutes earlier. I would focus on sleeping and goofing off when I should have been working; I would focus on the work I should be doing when I wanted to sleep. My mind was confused. My body was confused. This cognitive dissonance overwhelmed me and I felt unfocused in both work and life settings. Then, I made a seemingly minuscule yet powerful shift in my day-to-day arrangements.
Some advice I have for you:
Burn your bedroom desk.
Okay, okay, not literally. But hear me out. Get rid of the work area you currently have in the place you sleep. I did not burn mine, but instead disassembled it and placed all the pieces underneath my bed (literally not required but where else do you put something like that?) So if anyone ever needs a 50 x 60 x 30 desk — definitely hit me up! This tiny act drastically improved my productivity and sleep schedule. Here’s how.
By making a complete distinction between where I study and the area I practice rest and self-care, I am able to sleep when I want and be productive when I need. I now complete all of my work on my downstairs dining room table. I read my textbooks there, watch class videos, take notes, and complete homework with no distractions. I purposefully place my phone upstairs, plugged in, and a floor away from my work area — out of sight, out of mind. My study approaches have improved, along with my grades and my professional connections. And when I need a break, I take one! I am no longer constantly reminded of the tasks I have waiting for me. Not only am I able to work more proficiently, but when I am in my bedroom, I feel a warmth of calmness and bliss. I can breathe, literally leaving my worries downstairs. My work and sleep environments are 100% separate. They do not touch, they do not meet. As a result, as I attempt to fall asleep each night I am increasingly more at ease. I have noticed a visible improvement in my sleeping habits, as well as decreased time it takes for me to get out of bed in the morning.
The environment you complete work in is just as important as the work you are completing. So sometimes, I switch it up! Consistency of a work environment is important, in order to properly shape your organization and task management style. But you still make your own rules! If the place you work in feels bland or you feel unusually distracted, you are allowed to have fun with it. I make studying more interesting by going to a different Café, a local or new library, or even outside. This challenges me to explore new places while learning new things simultaneously. It makes me look forward to working instead of dreading it.
I believe this is such a vital part of everyone’s lifestyle — one’s professional climate and one’s personal. However tempting, sending those emails or tightening up that report in bed will not serve you long-term. Go to a different location and return to your state of calamity when able. If you want more information, check out these two articles going into depth about the effects of studying in your bed, as well as how to set up a valuable and helpful study space for yourself in your room. I hope you take my personal experience into consideration and practice what you feel ameliorates your own productivity and relaxation — separately!
