Whether you’re living at home or at school, it’s time to begin the remote learning routine yet again. For most of us, this is a daunting task. It feels as though each day bleeds into the next. Motivation and morale have been decreasing each semester we’ve been online, and although I normally dislike using the term “new normal,” it provides a form of comfort to settle into a rhythm as we move forward.
If you’re finding it difficult to achieve balance, you are not alone. Although these are difficult times, there are some things to try that can allow you to ease the pain a little bit.
Online semesters are hard on everyone, and seemingly impossible for most. Let’s dive into tips for starting yet another semester from home.
- Be as attentive as possible
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If I’ve learned anything from this pandemic, it’s that self-discipline does not come easily to me. If you can relate to that at all, you may find yourself on your phone, watching tv, doing housework or browsing other websites while listening to lectures. It is surprising how easy it is to get distracted without anyone telling you what to do or keeping you accountable.
If you find yourself guilty of this, try putting your phone in another room during Zoom lectures. If it’s not in front of you, you will be less likely to think about it in the first place.
Take notes to avoid other distractions and sit at a table, desk or couch to avoid the laziness that comes with laying in bed.
- Incorporate constants into your day
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Since none of my days look the same, I like to establish my own structure. This could include working out or taking a walk around the same time everyday, having a schedule for meals, waking up at a certain time, meditating or finding a new hobby.
Humans like to have routines. When the rest of our “normal” has been thrown out the window, it’s important to have something to keep your days from melting together. It also can be a good motivator to get you out of bed in the morning.
Make it something you enjoy doing.
If you have time allotted each day to do something you like, you’re more likely to start your day off better. We all deserve to do at least one thing that makes us happy each day, so don’t be afraid to pencil it into your calendar.
- Create a designated work space
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You’ve probably been hearing this from the start of the pandemic, but work and home space should be separate. When you’re forced to work in the same place where you eat, sleep and clean, it inhibits your ability to separate home and work or school. I often find myself doing laundry and watching class lectures at the same time, or laying in bed and forgetting I’m supposed to be paying attention. While this is understandable every once in a while, it’s important to designate an area that is exclusive to schoolwork.
For me, the desk in my room serves as the perfect place to get my work done. When I’m sitting there I have less distractions and my brain knows that this desk is used for working only. There’s a certain cognitive dissonance that comes with laying in bed and trying to get something done, because your bed is normally a place for sleep, relaxation and solace. Sitting upright at my desk allows me to stay focused on my tasks at hand and not think about the other, probably more desirable things, that I’d rather be doing in that space.
Pick a study area inside or outside your home. A desk, the kitchen table, a reading nook, the library or coffee shop or even a bench outside will do. Try to stay consistent by going to the same place everyday so that your brain can associate it with productivity.
I know it’s not easy, but we are all in this together. The light at the end of the tunnel seems to be visible. Give in to your desires, temptations and laziness at times, but also reel yourself back in to find your success.
You are not defined by your productivity. Your productivity is a result of you and your strength. Whatever that looks like for you is powerful, and we will soon return to a more adaptable lifestyle once again. For now, keep fighting, keep succeeding and let hope guide you to the finish line.