This week has brought about a lot of changes as the rapid spread of COVID-19 has inflicted all online-style classes, restrictions on in-person interactions, and recommended social distancing. Such changes can be stressful or scary, particularly because most students who decide not to take online classes do so for a reason: they perform better academically during in-person classes. Switching to online will be an adjustment for all of us, but it’s important for maintaining health, and we can still support each other from a distance. Here are a few tips on how to maintain motivation during this switch and to make sure you feel healthy, both physically and mentally.
1. Keep a (somewhat) normal sleep schedule
When you don’t have to go to class at 8am the next morning, it can be hard to stick to a sleep schedule. However, maintaining a somewhat normal sleep schedule will make you feel better and more secure.
2. Try to develop a routine
Something as simple as taking a shower, making breakfast, and then working on schoolwork every day can preserve your sense of normalcy and keep you feeling productive and motivated.
3. Make time to video chat your friends
It might be easy to feel estranged from your friends now that you can’t see them every day, but making time to video chat them every few days will remind you that we’re all in this together.
4. Develop a personal rewards system
Something like ten minutes of social media time for every 30 minutes spent on homework, or studying for one more hour means you can have a bowl of ice cream are examples of rewards systems you can use to encourage yourself to do work. Whatever works best for you — use it to motivate you to do your schoolwork without getting distracted.
5. Try to do at-home workouts when possible
Staying in shape will help you feel more balanced and comfortable. This one can be hard, but try to make time for a run around your neighborhood or yoga in your room.
If you try to follow some of these tips, I guarantee you’ll feel happier and more motivated, particularly when it comes to classwork. Social distancing and online classes might be difficult, but maintaining a sense of normalcy and finding ways to stay motivated will make a world of difference.