Online school has been difficult to say the least. Adapting to a new way of learning with the backdrop of a global pandemic has not been easy. But really that’s all it is: adapting. Despite the fact that I much prefer learning in a classroom, there have been some benefits to online learning. It has given me the ability to create my own schedule, to accomplish more tasks and to be more independent. With more independence comes a greater need to create a structure for oneself. As such, here are some tips and tricks I will be taking with me into the next semester.
I need to be realistic. I am not getting out of bed if my class is in the morning. You can’t make me; nobody can make me. I just needed to figure out how I could be productive whilst I vegetate. To add to this, I have a bad habit of wanting to be on my phone while in class. I’ve never been like this before, but with online classes, it’s just so tempting. So, when I watch my zoom lectures in bed, I put my computer up on my side table so that I can watch while being in a very comfortable fetal position. Then I take my notes on my phone. I get to lie down while satisfying my need to be on my phone and it actually has resulted in me paying attention to class. You have to be realistic with yourself. If you know you have certain bad habits, you got to make them work for you.
Secondly, I have been forcing myself to leave the house. Yes, it’s a pandemic, but staying inside all day, every day, with little to no sunlight will throw anyone off. Get up, put on your daytime sweats and get your booty moving. Strut that sidewalk. It sounds silly, but it has deeply improved my mood. Knowing that I am obligated to leave the house once a day and move around gives me a sense of routine, a sense of comfort. And overall, it has given me the serotonin rush I needed to persevere.
Getting dressed up for class is a must. Not every day, because again you have to be realistic. If my period comes knocking, the sweats will be popping. Even though my camera is turned off, I still get up and dress up for my classes. At least for my classes I don’t have in the morning. It’s something small and it takes so little effort, but clothes do have the effect of putting you into a certain mindset. They can completely change how you are feeling. If you dress groggy you’re going to feel groggy. Go put on your heels! It’s not like you have to walk very far in them.
Overall, the pandemic has completely changed the way I have been doing school. As much as I miss the old ways, the best thing you can do is to adapt. It may be hard but find what works for you and be realistic about what you can maintain.