Now that we are halfway through the semester, the Zoom fatigue struggle is REAL. These 5 tips have helped me stay motivated thus far. If you find yourself starting to lose hope, try these out!
Avoid Distractions
Throughout Zoom class, one of the biggest distractions is having your phone right next to you. In moments of boredom, I find myself checking my phone for just a minute which escalates to five minutes where I missed vital information relative to class. Although it is sometimes hard to ignore the buzz of a notification, try putting your phone across the room or even in a different room to decrease the likelihood of getting distracted during class. After getting through a full class without looking at your phone, consider your social media a treat! It’s much more rewarding to have a fresh feed after class rather than scrolling through Instagram every minute making class seem longer than it actually is.
Get Outdoors
I’ve found that getting outside or even working out indoors has been something that clears my brain from all the information that was just thrown at me in class. Whether it’s going on a one mile walk, trying out different workout videos and breaking a sweat, or even just sitting outside for a few minutes, getting outdoors and away from your screen is a perfect refresher. If you ever get in a slump where getting up to work out is just not happening, try setting a goal to either workout for a certain amount of time or distance, so you get into a daily routine!
Physically Prepare for Class
It’s super tempting to hit your snooze button until it’s two minutes before class starts – trust me, I’ve done it. I know your bed is so comfy that you can’t bear to move until it’s absolutely necessary! If you attend class in bed it affects your ability to pay attention to the content being presented. Establishing a routine of making a cup of coffee, getting dressed, and having a proper breakfast before class, just like you would on campus, can put you in the zone.
Separate School Time from Personal Time
Spending your whole day in one room and on the same screen can make your personal time mesh with your school work time. As a result, we become lazy and can feel mentally and emotionally drained. Scheduling time for work hours and personal time such as errands or hobbies can be a game changer for staying on task in the future. Give your brain a little vacation time, even if it’s just going to the kitchen to get food. Try changing up your routine too – instead of watching Netflix after class, give your eyes a break and try baking or go for a drive!
Relocate
We all have important assignments and papers to write, but the key to creating a beneficial working space could be as simple as switching it up now and then. Sometimes getting the quiet study time can feel impossible while at home. Whether it means getting in the car and driving elsewhere, or setting up shop in a different room in your house, relocating can make a huge mental difference.
I hope you find these tips helpful in the remainder of the semester and apply them to the next spring mods as well! Although classes are online this year, look after yourself and your mental health in the progress. When we feel our best we perform our best.
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