I think everyone can agree that attending school during this pandemic has been a very difficult and exhausting experience. Staring at computer screens for hours on end and having little to no human interaction can be mentally damaging and draining. However, there are some ways to get around this slump and keep yourself motivated and content. Here are four tips and tricks that have personally worked for me:
- Create and maintain a consistent morning routine
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You should try creating your own personalized morning routine to get yourself inspired and prepared to tackle the day ahead. I am not a person who can wake up at the same time everyday, and that is okay. Whether I get up at 8:00 AM or 12:00 PM, I try my best to follow my “morning” routine to start my day. I like to make my bed as soon as I get up so that I am not tempted to get back under the covers and accidentally take a nap. Then I will make myself some light breakfast and watch a show or YouTuber I like to put myself in a good mood. After that, I make my to-do list and the work flow begins.
- Make a simple “To-Do” everyday with small tasks
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I have realized over the years that lists keep me organized and on track with whatever it is I am doing in my life. However, they can seem very daunting with unattainable goals if you make them too broad and general. For example, instead of writing “finish film assignment 1,” you could write “make outline for script” and then “write script intro” as two separate tasks. Breaking up a larger task into a few smaller ones makes it seem less daunting and more doable. That way, you can feel accomplished and stay motivated to finish the entire assignment eventually.
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment
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Research has proven time and time again that your environment affects your mental state. Our brains are wired to like organization and order, so constantly being bombarded with messy and chaotic visual surroundings mentally drains us and distracts us from focusing on the task at hand. If you keep your room organized and clutter-free, you will feel better overall, and your mind will be open and prepared to tackle anything.
- Remember to take mini-breaks to clear your mind
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Working hard is important, but taking breaks is just as necessary to maintain your active mental state. Doing too much work for hours on end with no pause can be extremely exhausting and damaging. It is absolutely essential to take a breather here and there to reset your mind and relax yourself. For example, I really enjoy drawing, taking a short walk or watching funny YouTube videos during my breaks. You are basically rewarding yourself for each step of the way so that you stay motivated to finish your work.
The above tips are some that have worked for me and my friends, but do not be discouraged if you do not find them as helpful for you. Everyone’s brain works differently, so you just need to figure out what works best for you. It does not hurt to try though! You never know which advice might actually end up changing your life for the better.