As 2020 continues, students are forced to further navigate through unprecedented times. Several schools have chosen to provide solely online courses, and countless students have opted to pursue an online education to avoid exposure to Covid- 19. These necessary alterations have left many students beginning the fall semester as they ended the spring: online and at home. Although being at home may not be the ideal environment for a student, there are several ways to enhance that experience and stay motivated.
- Communicate with friends and family: The lack of social interactions due to Covid- 19 have made this a crucial time to reach out to others. Physical distancing shouldn’t stop you from maintaining social relationships. Make an effort to schedule video calls and phone calls with those you may not have the opportunity to see. Get creative and schedule lunch dates, study groups, and group hangouts over Zoom.
- Maintain a daily routine: Following a daily routine can help reduce stress and improve sleep, eating, physical condition, and productivity. Create and partake in a morning routine, which can be as simple as changing out of your pajamas, brushing your teeth, and eating breakfast. Plan times for lunch, online social interactions and hobbies around your class schedule.
- Create a learning environment that’s right for you: Having a productive learning space is a key factor to your academic success. Be sure to designate an area to learning that is functional and personalized to you. Keep your area decluttered to maintain a stress- free environment.
- Make time to go outside and be active everyday: Online learning can leave you with no reason to leave the house. It is important that you make an effort to go outside and engage in physical activity at least once a day. Staying active will prevent weight gain, boost your immune system, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep. You can safely engage in activities such as walking, running, biking, hiking, and virtual exercise classes.
- Find a new hobby that brings you joy: Finding a purposeful activity that is centered around your interests can improve your mental health and wellbeing. This can reduce stress and depression, and improve mood. Actively think about your interests and how you can implement them into a hobby of choice. Make time for your hobby around your class schedule. Hobbies can be related to art, athletics, outdoor activities, music, learning a new skill, or anything personal to you.
- Prioritize your sleep: Although it may be tempting to stay up late talking to friends or scrolling through social media, sleep is a crucial component of being a successful online student. Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule benefits the immune system, heightens brain function, enhances mood, and improves overall mental health. Prioritize your sleep by scheduling a wake-up time, wind-down time and bedtime in your daily routine.
- Fuel your school day with healthy meals and snacks: Be conscious of what you are eating and how it is affecting your energy levels. Foods such as whole grains are high in Vitamin- B, which can reduce stress levels and increase concentration. In addition, incorporating healthy fats, which can be found in eggs, nuts, seeds, avocados and fish, can reduce fatigue and lead to higher brain functioning. Choose options such as oatmeal or eggs as a nutritious breakfast to fuel your school day.
- Make time to meditate: Taking a few minutes out of your day to meditate can be extremely beneficial. Research has found that meditation can have positive effects on students’ well being, social skills and academic skills. Use meditation as an outlet to destress from the anxiety and uncertainty that you are facing as a student in the age of Covid- 19. Be sure to download meditation apps, or check if your school has a virtual mindfulness program.
- Purchase a pair of blue light glasses: Sitting in front of a computer screen all day can result in eye strain, headaches, blurry vision and lead to retina damage. Inorder to maintain eye health and feel your best throughout the school day, purchase a pair of blue light glasses. These glasses limit your exposure to blue light, a high energy light generated by digital screens which our eyes are sensitive to. Blue light glasses can alleviate eye discomfort, improve sleep habits, and fight against age related Macular Degeneration, the top cause of blindness in the U.S..
- Maintain an open line of communication with your teachers and professors: Don’t let the lack of in person communication discourage you from reaching out to your teachers and professors. Be sure to introduce yourself on the first day of class, and reach out if you have any questions or concerns throughout the semester. This can be done by email, or setting up a time for a virtual meeting. Doing so can help recreate the normalcy of in person learning, and reduce the stress of learning from home.
