Grab Your Laptop and Go Somewhere New

If you're a CS student or junior dev -- where do you normally work on your projects?

I'm asking because where you work matters a lot for your productivity. When your workplace is the same every day, your productivity declines, and you tend to procrastinate more. Changing something in your physical environment can be a big boost.

If you normally work at home -- try some other spots!

• Can you use your local library?
• How about trying out some coffee shops that are not too expensive? (I am now writing this tip at Tim Hortons -- I can't write at home!)
• Does your school have some spaces to work?
• How about a coworking space? (yes, I know, it might be overkill... but keep coworking spaces on your radar as they can be giant productivity boosters!)

Try a few different places, and make sure you find new ones every once in a while. Our brains are weird -- when we're in a new location, it's somehow a signal: "Okay, something new is going on, let's do it!"

If you still prefer to stay home -- change something there! Be creative. Example? Try using a standing desk (good for your spine, and proven to limit procrastination). You don't need IKEA to have a standing desk! Just put a big box on your normal desk, and place your laptop on the box. Standing desk ready!

So, if you're having a bad day and feeling stuck -- just grab your laptop, leave home, and find some other place to work!