None of us were prepared to stay in and work remotely. This. Has. Been. Hard! For some of us, it is isolating. For others, overwhelming. And for some, it triggers worries of the future. We've all been affected directly or indirectly. So, how do we get through this global pandemic and the impact on our daily lives?
The best way, sometimes, is to focus on the now. At this point, the "now" might mean that you need to get through this semester. If you have not done these already, here are some tips for you.
1. Develop a routine.
The key to your academic success begins with forming a routine. That can be hard if you are shouldering various responsibilities. Here are some suggestions, but you should decide what would work best for you.
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Get up at a regular time each morning. Set a positive intention for your day. Get dressed as if it were a regular school day. (You can still stay in your flip flops, though.)
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Structure your academic time to complete your readings, focus on assignments, and connect with your classmates for that nerve-wracking group presentation.
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Build in some outdoor time, if possible. Of course, those of us in New England are still dreaming of the sun.
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Go to sleep at a regular time. Your body needs time to adjust to your new routine and schedule. Consistency is your friend. Over time, you will see improvements in your motivation, focus, and concentration.
2. Focus on organizing.
With chaos all around, organizing your schoolwork can help set your routine and create structure. Organize the spaces where you do your schoolwork. Keep a calendar and write everything in it, such as due dates and reminders.
Check your calendar daily. At the beginning of each week, identify your short-term (due by the end of the week) and long-term goals (due in two to three weeks). Put class materials in folders and separate the folders for each class. Make a daily to-do list.