I know this is a crazy, unprecedented, and lonely time. The last thing we all need is for things like homework, readings, and tests to add to our stress. Itās one thing to just not want to do your work, andĀ trust meĀ weāve all been there, but itās another thingĀ to struggleĀ with adjusting to working online. It can be boring to look at your computer screen all day, but here are a few things Iāve experimented with to find success throughout Zoom.
Stickies
Since Iām already on my computer all day, itās easier to have reminders on it, so I know there is aĀ greater chanceĀ of me looking at themĀ then if I were to write themĀ on a Post-It note and move on. I didnāt know about this Mac application, called Stickies, until about a year ago, but on any Apple computerĀ there is an option to display virtual sticky notes on your desktop which you can write reminders on. Learn more about it here. It has helped me stay on track of my goals and responsibilities and hopefully it will do the same for you.
Timers
My family has attempted to have group breakfast at 9:30 every morning regardless of when our classes are. Some days this does not always follow through, but getting up earlier on the days where I donāt have a live class until 4:00 pm has made me feel more productive and engaged. As well, a friend told me she found herself feeling very anxious because she is always afraid sheās missing a class. I told her it could be helpful to set an alarm 5 minutes before class starts, so she doesnāt have to keep thinking about it. Another thing that helps me, and that I can not express enough how helpful it is, is to have your schedule printed out on your desk. It helps with schedulingĀ times to visit with your loved ones, work out, eat, and have some down time. Staying on top of your schedule is key to making sure assignments are handed in on time and exams are studied for.
Emails
While our minds might be busy, Iām sure we all have a little more down time on our hands during this crazy time of life. Meaning, your professors are ready as ever to talk to you, read your emails, and help if you find yourself struggling. A few weeks ago I emailed my calculus professor asking a question and he replied within 5 minutes, I believe, addressing my concern. Yes, it can depend on the professor, but if youāre feeling a little lost and not sure what you need to be doing in your classes, it couldnāt hurt to just email your professor and say, āhey, Iām feeling somewhat lost, what are the main things we should focus on this week?ā Most of my professors have office hours too, so if yours do too, thatās another great time to reach out.
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Many people are feeling lost, including myself, and a lot of people donāt act on that feeling to achieve productivity. Students that take the extra step to engage with professors stand out, especially at schools with over 20,000 undergraduate students like UMass Amherst. This is a challenging time, but itās important to focus on the things you can control.
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