Get Room Savvy: Make your space work for you

Many of us are spending more time than ever in one space – whether we are living and learning on campus or from another location. We’re trying to manage and excel in our work, relationships, self-care, and more in a room that we may very well share with one or more people. Getting clear on some of the challenges of living, working, and learning in restricted spaces can help you think through which ideas, tips, and tricks for marking time, prioritizing health, and working toward your goals in a multi-purpose space might work best for you.

Many of us might feel confined or restricted by spending so much time inside or in one space. Others might feel very comfortable being limited to a room or two and instead the challenge that now presents itself is feeling less motivated to go outside, see people in COVID safe ways, or have experiences outside of our primary spaces. Privacy is also a consideration. Many students share rooms with other students, siblings, or family members and so for those of us who thrive on alone time, it can be hard to come by. I know that these are just some of the challenges of living, working, and learning primarily in one space.  

Now that we’ve named some challenges, let’s name some solutions. Here are 7 ideas, tips, and tricks to get the most out of your space: 

Build a routine 

This might sound silly or elementary, but building a routine focused on well-being can help you structure your time and increase your capacity to manage change (and there’s a lot of that going around these days). Consider including things that typically make you feel well in addition to your must-do’s like attending class and doing homework: regular sleep and wake times, social time, eating nourishing foods (whatever that means to you), alone time, and movement. 

Rituals 

An important component of any routine whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly is rituals. They help us mark the passing of time and transitions, and including them in our routines helps to signal to our brains and bodies that we are ending something and starting something else. When so much about our lives is unpredictable, rituals can help us feel like we’ve achieved the goal of getting from where we previously were to where we are now. Some ideas for rituals to mark time are: change up your playlist when you start/stop homework, move to different parts of your room for different activities,”turn off” technology to signal it’s time for bed or to completely dedicate your attention to a movie, book, or friend, push in your chair at your desk to signify you’re done working, or tidy your micro-space, open a window, change your clothes, meditate or take 5 deep breaths, or call someone you care about. 

Bed boundaries 

Studies have shown that our brains and bodies can get confused about the purpose of our beds when we make it our multi-purpose space instead of a place for sleeping and intimacy.  

• Try to keep studying and work at your desk.  
• Balance screen time in bed with tech-free activities  
• Make your bed each day and turn it down each night 
• Make laundering sheets and blankets a regular priority  

Spend time screen-free 

More than ever our eyes and brains are experiencing screen fatigue. New kinds of focusing and communication skills are required for online learning and socializing. Making time to be screen-free supports optical health and aids in stress management. 

• Go screen-free at least 30 min before bed 
• Print out long readings or assignments to proof 
• Consider blue light reducing apps or glasses 
• Take your calls on the go while you walk, stretch, or sit outside and get some fresh air 

Be selective 

You are in charge of your schedule, even when it may not feel like it. It’s ok to be selective about which events you attend, when you connect with others online, and how you manage your time. Periods of sustained stress and challenge sometimes mean that we can’t do as many things as we used to.If you feel overwhelmed try taking 1-2 things off your to-do list. Now is a great time to practice saying no: no thank you, I wish I could but I am at my max this week, I can’t help right now but you should contact CTLR. 

Let go of perfection 

Perfection is an illusion that many of us pursue and, particularly during a global pandemic, is literally impossible to achieve. Setting realistic goals and standards for yourself is key to making your work, social life, and relationships feel right-sized and attainable. Try picking a positive mindset mantra to repeat to yourself when you feel discouraged: I’m good enough just as I am, I am not my work or achievements, or I’m doing the best I can right now. When you hear people disparaging themselves, share what you’re doing to let go of perfection and prioritize self-acceptance and self-compassion.  

Stay connected to others 

Positive social connections are one of the greatest protective factors against loneliness and isolation. It might feel harder than ever to reach out, ask for help, or go beyond the surface in conversation and relationships. 

• Try watching something together on Netflix Party or using the Instagram Question feature to avoid mindless scrolling or watching 
• Answer the NYT 36 Questions That Lead to Love with friends and family – it’s a great way to get to know a new or not so new person in your life 
• Use social support to practice a self-care action like movement, meditation, cooking and eating, or other things that support your wellness