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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Denison chapter.

Typically I start off a new school year with high energy and motivation. However, this year was a different story. Due to the enormous amount of screen time I have had in the past seven months because of being in quarantine, I didn’t feel as refreshed as I usually do at the beginning of a new year because I was going straight into more virtual learning and work.  

 

I don’t know about y’all, but everything for me this school year is virtual — my education, job, and downtime. I have the privilege of still being employed because I am able to work from home/school on my computer, but being virtually interactive in the classroom and a work environment is exhausting. It often feels like there is no “outlet” (pun intended lol).

 

Even what I consider my “downtime” is just more screen time. Playing on my phone, scrolling through social media, Facetiming my friends, and watching Netflix continue to add to the daily screen time intake. Again, it gets exhausting, isolating, and just irritating. I can tell the difference in my irritability, sleep patterns, energy levels, and motivation. 

 

Buuuut, you gotta fake it till you make it. Right? So I started my first week of junior year with cute outfits, early alarms, and high energy/motivation. Funny story is that it quickly diminished into sleeping late, attending zoom classes in pjs, finishing assignments last minute, and barely clocking any hours into my virtual job by the second week. 

As I’m starting to try and gain my motivation and KEEP that ball rolling…  I want to share a few things I plan to do to elevate my energy that does not involve screen time. 

two friends walking big dogs on leashes on a bright grassy hill
Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels
Make a schedule and stick to it. 

Go for walks.

Work out a couple times a week.

Eat on a better schedule & eat more fruit.

Go for a drive & listen to music.

Journal more

Take less naps

Collage and paint

Play cards with friends

Read (I bought two new books recently!)

Olivia Ewing

Denison '22

Welcome! I'm an Anthropology/Sociology and Black Studies double major from Atlanta, Georgia. I love listening to music, reading and relaxing in my down time. I'm passionate about social activism and spreading love & positivity. My articles should reflect that :)
Claire Maurer

Denison '22

Claire is a Cleveland native in her fourth & final year at Denison University and is excited to continue her role as the Co-President for the Denison chapter! While she studies Spanish and Political Science, she loves to write in her spare time. She wants to emphasize topics that she is passionate about, spread positivity and optimism in the world, and connect with people through her writing. When she isn't writing or studying, you can find Claire spending time with her family and friends, staying active, enjoying the outdoors, or listening to music.