At the start of quarantine, having to stay at home 24/7 was equivalent to a knife in the chest. The thought of being confined to the same few rooms in my apartment with only virtual connections was tough, to say the least. I understand how important it is to social distance and practice safe habits, don't get me wrong, but the lack of face-to-face interactions was hard.
But like a lot of other extroverts, I've adapted to the given circumstances. My routines have changed, my habits have been modified, and everyone is just trying to cling to little pieces of joy during the day. With that being said, here are ten perks about working and studying at home:
No pants necessary.
This is my favorite perk; it's comfy and enjoyable. Because I don't go anywhere and the angle of my Zoom calls are shoulders up, a lot of the time I forgo a pair of pants. Come to think of it, I don't think I've worn a pair of denim jeans since March.
Being with my dogs all day.
My dogs have had to adapt to seeing me half of the day to every hour on the hour now. It's strange to see what they normally do when I'm away at school or work: spoiler alert, our pets spend most of the day sleeping and eating.
Being in the comfort of my own home.
I've really been intention with enjoying the space I live in. Before, it was simply a place for me to sleep since I was on the go so much. Now, it has started to feel like home with the additional decorations I've added and comfort items I've purchased.
I can multitask without my Zoom professor noticing.
Thank God for computers with split-screen capabilities. While I'm listening in on a Zoom call, I can also be working on other assignment I have due. Without a professor hovering and watching my every move, I think I've been able to accomplish a lot more than usual.
More productive.
On the same vein, I feel like I've been way more productive at home. Classes are usually short and to the point and assignments are detailed but thoughtful, and work is focused and task-driven. As much as I miss the interactions with coworkers and classmates, I've realized how easily distracted I used to be and have taken this time to hone in on my responsibilities.
Privacy!
Because I don't really leave my apartment, everything that I do is by myself and I don't have to worry about nosy acquaintances or power through small-talk. Choosing when I want to be social has really allowed me to recognize the boundaries I've set when it comes to my personal privacy.
More brain breaks.
When I'm working at my own pace, I can step away from my computer when I need to and give my brain a time to rest and my body a good stretch. I'm on my own time, not my professor's, so I can use it how I please.
Food whenever I want it.
Having a pantry full of food instead of a few snacks thrown in my backpack has been the best. Period.
Rearranging my room a bunch for no reason at all.
At school, all of the classrooms look the same and the work offices are bland and beige. At home, I've really decorated my apartment in my style so it has become a place I love to be. Whenever I get bored of it, I switch around the layout to spruce things up a bit. Why? Just because I can.
Chatting with people I love more.
I don't know about you, but I've noticed myself calling my family and friends a lot more often now. I have more energy to engage in good conversations that go beyond just a quick catch up. I crave these social interactions a lot more, and I've become super grateful for them. It's nice to know that people want to talk to you just as much as you want to talk to them.
