It’s 10:50 a.m., your Zoom call with your professor starts at 11 a.m. and you haven’t even brushed your teeth. Listen, we know moving to online learning will be an adjustment. But, the sooner you get into a routine, the easier the transition will be.
- Wake up at the same time everyday
-
Parties are not keeping you up late this semester (at least, we hope not) and binging that Netflix series can wait. By waking up at the same time every day, you are setting yourself up for success. Now, you don’t have to be punching numbers at the crack of dawn. But for instance, if you have an 11 a.m. class, set your alarm for 9 a.m. every day. That way, you will have two hours to yourself to do your daily morning rituals. Eat a good breakfast, practice meditation and get ready for the day.
- Get ready
-
This one is important. Sure you could stay in your pajamas and a messy bun all day, but you will feel much better if you routinely put yourself together. This could be as easy as putting on your favorite band t-shirt or throwing on some gold hoops. Anything to make the days feel as normal as possible, right?
- Don’t do schoolwork in bed
-
Trust us, we know. It’s almost impossible to not jump into bed when it’s staring at you literally all day. If you are able to, find a designated place in your home, apartment or dorm to work. This workspace should be free of distractions, but comfortable enough for you to sit at for hours throughout the day. Don’t worry, your bed will still be there when you’re done!
- Limit your screen time
-
If you are new to virtual learning you might feel like you have a lot more freedom than normal. Well, you do. Virtual learning takes a lot of discipline, and without a professor in front of you at all times, it’s easier to get distracted. If you just can’t stop online shopping or surfing Pinterest, consider limiting your screen time. If you are using an iPhone, go to Screen Time and set a Downtime. You can set your downtime for as long as you are working, and it will end once the time is up.
- Invest in blue light glasses
-
Staring at a screen for eight hours a day just isn’t healthy for your eyesight. Luckily, blue light glasses are made to fight off blue light that comes from screens. Amazon has a wide selection of blue light glasses for reasonable prices.
The transition to digital learning may not be a swift one at first, but with these five steps, you will be an all-online learner in no time.