Online classes this semester can get challenging if you still have not found your set routine and what works best for you. Being confident, productive, and not so hard on yourself can help improve your online classes experience. If you still find yourself struggling with online classes this semester, I have listed some tips that can enhance your experience and make the remaining weeks of this semester manageable.
1) GET READY AS IF YOU ARE ACTUALLY GOING TO CLASS.
Treating each day as if you are actually going to class can influence how well you do and improve your self confidence. Having the discipline you need to tell yourself “I am going to go to class and do work” can be improved on by getting up from bed, dressing up, and eating before you go to class. It gives you the motivation to want to start and get through the day. The dedication you put into getting ready everyday will become routine and will help you get through the semester!
2) DO NOT DO WORK IN BED.
Your brain associates your bedroom as the place of rest. Doing work where you normally rest makes it more difficult for you to fall asleep since you are used to resting in that area. It is better to have a study area whether it is a dining room table, in the library, or in a common area. The more you do work in that designated area, the more organized and productive you will be.
3) HAVE AN AGENDA BOOK AND WRITE DOWN ALL TASKS AND THINGS YOU HAVE TO COMPLETE.
Write down all your assignment due dates, set reminders, and create a schedule for yourself using an agenda book. This can help with productivity and time management. Time management is key to success, especially if you do it right. The more you manage your time, the less stressed you will be and the more time you will have for other things besides school. Create your own agenda, or buy a cute agenda book from places such as: Barnes&Nobles, Staples, and Target.
4) GET CONNECTED WITH OTHER STUDENTS IN YOUR CLASSES OR GO TO OFFICE HOURS.
Sometimes doing online classes can feel like you are learning everything on your own. Contact the other students in your classes and create study groups where you can study together, get help on homework, and more! Networking is very important, so this will be a good opportunity while getting help in your classes. Going to office hours or meeting up with a teacher/professor is also very beneficial for your grades and can help alleviate stress. You can get hands on help, ask questions, and build a relationship that can possibly be turned into a future reference.
5) LIMIT SOCIAL MEDIA BUT TAKE NECESSARY BREAKS
Taking breaks is necessary for your mental health. Online classes tend to feel like most of your time is being used to do work, but if you manage your time well and take breaks you should be okay. For every hour you work, take a 5-15 minute break to recharge so you can be productive when you go back to work. Using your phone or laptop while in school to go on social media can be distracting if you don’t manage the time spent each time you take a break. If possible, turn on the do not disturb setting while doing work, and if necessary turn on screen time settings on your phone to limit how much time a day you can spend on social media.
There are other tips that can be used to make the remaining of the semester better for you. Find out your learning style, reach out for help, and always put your mental health before your school work. If you need more help, reach out to different online sources that may guide you in the right direction.