Triboro News

What are things that give you motivation?

Well for me.. Here are some things that I think give me motivation. When I absolutely just don’t feel like doing anything, I like to sit for a moment and then take a few deep breaths. This helps me think of what I want to do and then I put it in order.

I like to start with a nice candle (don’t forget about it) then I turn on my air diffuser (at the moment it is lavender and spearmint). The next thing that helps me a lot is getting a blank page and writing literally everything I need to do to complete that task that I need to finish.

The next thing I do before I start my to do list, is to get myself a small snack and some water. I think food helps with the thought and the water keeps them flowing. I know motivation can look like many different things to everyone. However I thought this would help if you needed some ideas on what someone else might do to get motivation.

Ev.

I was reminded this past week that in order to get anything done, I really need to plan the time and space appropriately. I can't study in a messy house...and I have known this since I was an undergraduate. Can you work with chaos around you? Maybe you can. I had a college roommate who worked best in the middle of the living room with her Walkman and TV both on. That has never been me, but it worked for her!

Take some time this week and do a little self-inventory.

Where can you study?

Find two or three places in your life where you can sit. This might be your kitchen table, home office, local library, or even your favorite cafe. Set a timer for 15 minutes and do homework in each space. Which space was most conducive to productive work?  This answer is different for everyone. You might even find that changing your homework space throughout the day is beneficial! If you are on campus, check out the newly reorganized library for some study spaces. 

How long can you work?

Do you find that you can work on a task for 15 minutes at a time?  30 minutes? Does it differ from subject to subject? Do you need more time for your studio classes?

Do you have all your supplies handy?

The catalog lists all the material you need for your classes. Make a list of what you don’t have. Check out the Spectrum Store for what you still need. 

Do you plan?

Do you like to use a paper planner or a computer planning tool? Or are you more of a to-do list on the bathroom mirror type of person?  Either way works, but you need to make sure you have the planning tools and methods you need. Using your planning system of choice, set up all your due dates at the beginning of each term. Do you need help setting up a digital calendar or bullet journal? 

Is your personal life stable?

If you have a lot of roommates or little kids--or if you work part- or full-time--you need to plan time for yourself. Often early mornings or late evenings are good times to work when others aren’t around. 

Reach out to the SLC if you want any help figuring this out. 

Having the right materials at your workstation can save you from a plethora of health issues like carpal tunnel, swollen extremities, lower back pain, worsening eyesight, it can even prevent respiratory issues. Here are some simple things to have if you work in one place for more than an hour at a time.

Ball Chair- Supports good posture, core strength and prevents lower back pain.

Standing desk- Supports more movement and ability to adjust to specific Human Factors.

Ergonomic Mouse Pad- Creates a more supportive place for your wrist to prevent carpal tunnel.

Did you know that sitting for too long is just as hard on your body asv standing on your feet for too long?

Hand & Wrist exercises:

Shoulders & Arms:

Legs & Feet:

Spine:

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Get up from your computer, carpenters table, painting aisle or drafting desk once an hour, even if it is just to refresh your coffee, or let the dog outside. Your eyes, core and legs will thank you.

If you didn’t know, the RMCAD Library is open and has been redesigned to accommodate the SLC and the students and faculty. We now have three little reading nooks, for semi privacy and for the students to come down and enjoy.

With the redesign we had an Interior Design student (Ev) help come up with the design. Along with the design the shelfs are all ADA compliant, for easy access to the many books that we offer. 

In most libraries you have to be really quiet, however here at the RMCAD Library we enjoy the noise and enjoy having students come in and ask where to find certain topics. Even if you are just walking by, or need some feedback, we got you!