Hiding at Home
Technically this could be called finding a quiet designated workspace but in a house full of demanding teenagers, pets, or even a partner, finding a quiet uninterrupted space is easier said than done.
Disclaimer: Obviously, you can not use the “Hide” technique if you have toddlers. You will definitely re-emerge from your hiding place to infinitely more chaos than before.
How can I hide?
To effectively hide at home and focus on a task, create a designated workspace, minimise distractions, and establish clear boundaries. This could involve turning off notifications, using noise-canceling headphones, or moving to a quieter area of the house. If you are just reading journal articles and you have them printed off you could even try the bathroom!
Top Tips for Hiding at Home
1. Designate a Workspace:
- Identify a quiet area: Choose a room or corner has less people traffic and free from common household interruptions.
- Optimise for focus: Ensure the space is comfortable, well-lit, and free from clutter.
- Consider a temporary setup: If a dedicated space isn’t available, create a temporary workstation with a table and comfortable chair.
2. Minimise Distractions:
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Turn off notifications:Silence your phone, close unnecessary browser tabs, and disable email alerts.
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Use noise-canceling headphones:If background noise is an issue, noise-canceling headphones can help create a more focused environment.
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Communicate your need for focus:Inform family members that you need uninterrupted time to concentrate on your task.
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Set a timer:
Work in focused bursts with short breaks to maintain concentration and avoid burnout. You could try the Pomodoro Technique for this.
3. Establish Boundaries:
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Inform others of your “do not disturb” time:Make it clear when you’ll be unavailable to avoid unnecessary interruptions.
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Use a “do not disturb” sign:Hang a sign on your door or workspace to signal that you need focused time.
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Schedule breaks strategically:Plan short breaks to step away from your work and recharge before returning to the task.
Hiding at Work
Again, hiding at work must be a very short term strategy if you don’t want to lose your job. But in all seriousness, booking a few days leave close to an important deadline is a very real strategy and if you have left it too late to book leave, a sick day or two may come in handy. It is about priorities and it depends on your job role. If your studies are your future, maybe it’s time to put them first for a few days.
Top Tips for “Hiding” at Work
- Speak to your manager – if your qualification is linked to your current job role then your manager may be understanding and helpful in allowing you a few hours in work’s time to work on your assignment.
- Work from home – less distractions and interruptions may make you more productive freeing up time to work on your assignment.
- Speak to colleagues about your academic assignment workload; they may be able to help you out and take some work off you temporarily.
- Book some annual leave but “hide” somewhere other than home – libraries are a great place for a peaceful break from home and work. You can go somewhere more exciting when you have completed our course as a treat.
- Call in sick – remember your priorities. You didn’t enrol on this qualification for no reason. Think long term and remember, most businesses owe you nothing so shift your loyalty to yourself.
Share your story
I truly want this resource to grow with your input. If you’re a working parent studying in HE, or if you simply resonate with these challenges, I invite you to make contact. Share your story, your unique experiences, the strategies that work for you, and any advice you have for others. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community for adult learners.
