Every Monday of each week I open my planner to plan out each day for the rest of my week. It’s nothing too crazy, I just basically assign myself about three classes a day similar to a normal class schedule. My planner has been saving me this semester. I usually keep a planner, but I don’t use it because I remember what I have due from class that day. However, now with my classes being all asynchronous online, it is more difficult to keep track of all my assignments. Without this planner my life would be a mess, plus you can get really cute ones from a variety of different stores.
Another thing that I use in order to keep up with deadlines and other important meetings is Google Calendar. Google Calendar is another fun way to keep everything documented. I have become obsessed with my calendar and all of the different colors. I also love adding notifications 3 days, 1 day, and an hour before important events as well as due dates. It is nice to have a minimal reminder when everything is hectic just in case you forget.
Throughout my week I seem to lose motivation to work for long periods of time without getting distracted. When this happens I tend to take a short break by taking a walk outside, going on a coffee run, or I like to take a snack break and eat a fruit. I try to make it quick, but sometimes I need a mental break. That is okay because once I take a 15 to 20 minute break I can come back and refocus on my classes. Nobody can sit at a computer and stare at classes for hours, in fact, you shouldn’t. Don’t feel guilty about taking a break.
After a long day when I finally get to relax I will listen to guided meditation tracks on Youtube or on an app. I don’t do this every night, but when I am stressed after a long day it is a healthy way to take a load off. Sometimes I will lay in my bed and do the meditation in between classes on my break. After I listen to guided meditation I feel relieved and refreshed because It is extremely relaxing.
Online school can be stressful, I know it has been for me. These are just a few of my essentials for school during this weird time. I hope that these habits of mine can help other people as much as they have helped me.