As the coronavirus pandemic continues to sweep the world, many people are attempting to do their part to help stop the spread. From large governments to small businesses, the precautions implemented may not be pleasant, but they are necessary. While we continue to do our part with social distancing, the world has not completely stopped turning, and many college students are left with the struggle of transitioning from a vibrant campus life to a completely online education. This comes as not only a massive shock, but also as a devastating break to all of us who loved the classes, coffee runs and even cramming for an exam.
However, this is not the end of all that. While the world seems to be on pause for the foreseeable future, there are ways to stay connected to what and who you love. As a girl that spent her high school years sitting at home and taking classes online, I admit that it can be isolating. Attending class with an app similar to Zoom, I logged in every morning with people from all over the country, and in some cases all over the world. Even though I couldn’t see them, they eventually became some of my best friends, and just because everyone is separated for the time being does not mean you have to lose yours. Here 5 tips that I learned over the years to help stay sane and stay on top of life at home.
- Stay Connected with Friends
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Just because you can’t see your friends in person does not mean you can’t still hang out! Set up a group Facetime with your study group. Challenge your friends to an online game of Battleship, Words with Friends or Cards Against Humanity. There are so many options if you take the dive and look. Schedule a movie night with Netflix Party, which allows you all to watch the same show at the same time, with a chat box included.
- Exercise
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Working from home requires a lot of sitting. Sitting while in class, while doing homework, while relaxing with Netflix…and it can lead to feeling lethargic and bored. While remembering to practice social distancing, going for a run or a hike outside is a great way to get fresh air and get moving. If staying inside is more your speed, there are plenty of video tutorials online on everything from yoga to dance cardio. Find something that works for you and makes you happy.
- Stay on Top of Work
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Making the switch to online work often creates a lot of less responsibility and rigidity in deadlines. While you may be ecstatic about not having to rush to your 8am’s, classes provide much needed structure to your work. Try to set multiple deadlines for yourself for upcoming projects so that twelve-page term paper doesn’t creep up on you.
- Take Small Steps Everyday to Feel More Productive
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Days tend to blend together when you can do all your work from bed in sweatpants, and before you know it Monday becomes Thursday and you have hardly left your room. Taking small steps to feel productive can be a game changer for self-motivation. Starting every morning by making your bed, changing out of your pajamas, or even doing your makeup can help give you the confidence to face the day with a fresh perspective.
- Set a Schedule
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While waking up at 2pm and eating dinner at midnight can be rather freeing, creating a schedule for yourself can help add structure to your day and allow you to accomplish more work and play. You don’t have to have every minute of your day scheduled, but it can help to perhaps work on math homework at the same time you used to have your math class or get up at relatively the same time every day.
Overall, just try and take some time each day to make sure that you are taking care of yourself as much as your school work! Remember that while this might not be the most exciting time, social distancing is a key part in slowing the spread of the coronavirus and keeping as many people as possible safe and healthy.