Staying motivated while switching to online classes might be one of the hardest things fellow Jaspers are having to deal with right now. With warm weather, everyone being back home together and the craziness of covid-19, online classes are not on top of everyone’s priority list. I will be honest, it is very hard to be motivated while in comfy clothes all day and having my phone always go off from group chats (since everyone is home bored). But, my gpa will suffer if my motivation doesn’t pick up by the end of spring break! Below I will leave a few tips that I am using to keep myself motivated and hopefully you will all find at least one helpful.
Create a study space
Do not use your bed or dining room because you are bound to either get too comfy or distracted by family members. Clear off a table and have it just for online classes. It can be a corner of your bedroom or in a lounge area. I personally cleared off a table in my lounge room, organized all my school supplies and decorated a bit to make it somewhere I wanted to work. I put motivational quotes/pictures on the wall, put a candle on the desk and a bouquet of flowers to make it a space I will enjoy being productive.
Create a new routine
There is no more commute to school or Locke’s lunch date with friends. Everyone’s schedule is now totally different, so it’s time to make a new one. Having a routine for me is super important, and I find writing it all down or putting it in my google calendar helps me stick to it! Every day I get up around 8 so I have enough time to make breakfast and get ready for classes. After class, I have been walking on the beach with my mum or catching up with old friends over facetime. Blocking out your online class time, a time to work on assignments/study, eat, workout and facetime friends is so important if you want a healthy balance.
Use a Planner
The biggest challenge I have been facing since transferring online is all the deadlines changing and classes being a mess. What’s keeping me on track is writing everything down in an organized fashion into my planner! I keep a running to-do list near my laptop and a big dry erase calendar above my desk with important dates, so I do not miss a deadline.
Hide your phone
My phone is a major distraction and I have realized it more that I am now doing all my classes online. I have been putting my phone on do not disturb and leaving it in another room during online lectures and when I really need to get work done. It has made such a difference with my productivity, but I will admit it can be hard to do the first few times.
Don’t procrastinate
This is everyone’s biggest tip and the hardest to actually accomplish. I myself am a horrible procrastinator especially when deadlines are pushed back and I have tons of extra time. The way I am combating this is getting stuff done as soon as possible to stay on top of things!
Stay Connected
Check your emails or whatever platform you use everyday for updates! Communicate with professors through email or virtual office hours to show that you care and to clear up any possible confusion with assignments.
I know how upset many of you are about remote learning, especially the seniors. Everything going on is a shock to everyone, but I know we will all get through it together. It is so important to have a positive outlook during these times and if any of you need someone to talk to, please know I am always here. xx