How to Be Productive in Self-Isolation

Here's how to get motivated when self-isolating 👇

Self-isolation can be pretty exhausting - both emotionally and physically. Seriously, how are we so tired from doing nothing?! It can all get overwhelming at times, especially because we don’t know how long this lockdown is going to last.

Looking after yourself is important while self-isolating, so you can keep things as normal as possible throughout the uncertainty. So, how do you look after yourself while in self-isolation? How can you look after your mental and physical health? And how can you make the most of it? Here are our top tips.

Stick to a routine

Sticking to a routine can make or break your time at home. A routine sets the foundation for a positive day (even if you don’t get anything done). Try to keep things as close to normal as possible, like getting up, eating and sleeping at normal times. It can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns, so ask someone in your house to be your accountability partner. This way, you’re more likely to keep to a routine.

Update your CV

Updating your CV doesn’t take long, but it’ll give you a massive push in the right direction. You’ll feel pretty smug after you’ve done it too (and then you can binge-watching Netflix guilt-free). Put away some time to brush up on your old CV, or create a brand new one. CV-Library has some great resources on how to properly update your CV, so you can make the most out of every job application.

Make some extra cash

Why not make some additional cash while bored on your sofa? Here are a few ways you can make some extra income:

• Go freelance on sites like Fiverr. Sell the things you're good at to people who need your services.
• Online surveys are also an easy way to pocket some coins. Some good sites include Toluna and LifePoints, but you'll find loads of others online.
• Cashback sites are perfect if you're looking to earn some passive income. These sites literally pay you for using their referral links, so next time you want to order something online, use a cashback site for a kicker. TopCashback is a great place to start.

Sort out your student accommodation

If you haven’t sorted out next year’s student accommodation yet, then you're in luck... with UniHomes, you can do it straight from your sofa. Our letting agents are offering virtual tours for most of the properties on our site, so you could have your accommodation sorted in no time. Read our blog on how to find the perfect home here.

Get cultured

Fancy a trip to a museum? What about a gallery? Well, Google Maps has you covered. You can take a virtual tour of some of the world’s greatest museums, galleries and heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower. Spend a few hours learning about some of the top global attractions while you're (literally) in bed. Check out the full list here.

Finish your uni work

We know, you don’t want to hear it, but it’s got to be done. Set aside a few hours every day to tackle your uni work (excluding the weekend, obvs). Stay in touch with your course mates and do it together over FaceTime, that way you can keep each other accountable. If you’re struggling for motivation, try the pomodoro technique – working for 25 minutes and then taking a short break – which is proven to help with productivity. 

Let yourself relax

With all this being said, remember that it’s okay to relax. It’s a stressful time at the moment, so if you feel like having a sofa day, don’t beat yourself up about it. Fancy binging Netflix? Let yourself! Want to sit in the garden with a bev at 11am? Do it! Just make sure you find a balance between work and play.

We hope you’re all keeping safe in the current coronavirus pandemic. If you’re looking for more advice on how to deal with self-isolation as a student, check out our blog here.