I won’t pretend like I’m an expert, since this will be my first semester doing a more online based learning (I’m still in school for most of the day, every other day). It’s also unprecedented time for everyone and there’s no telling what will happen.

But! To stay optimistic and motivated, here are some tricks and tips I’m using to help me start out the year (and hopefully continue) strong.

Tip #1: A Routine

One of the things I loved the most about being in school is the set routine I had. Even though the sound of my alarm was one I dreaded, I liked being able to follow a set of tasks that change very little every day. The structure and familiarity of the tasks give comfort in a very changing world, and I think we could all use some of that. Also, a routine will just ensure there is little time waste or procrastinated.

I suggest setting a time for wake up every day of the week (except weekends, those are rest days. You need rest!) no matter if you’re online, in person, or doing a hybrid method. This will establish a routine. The earlier the wake up the more of the day you’ll have to finish work and the earlier you can finish your homework and studying, which leaves more time for relaxing.

One mistake I made last semester is that I didn’t set a routine. I shut off my alarm and woke up whenever I felt like it. I gave up on any type of exercising and just floated through the day procrastinating and being unproductive. No more! Now we have a schedule and a routine to follow.

Tip #2: Be Healthy

Staying coped up in the house can drive even the most introverted people insane. There’s also so much space in the house for moving and staying active, especially when your comfy bed is right there. I didn’t realize how fit school kept me, from the walks home, the stairs, the heavy backpacks, and textbook lifting. Setting aside some time in your day or week to exercise, whether it be fitness videos from YouTube, a walk through the park/neighbourhood, access to your own home gym, whatever you have, you just need to be up and moving. It’ll give you more energy to face the day.

Also eating healthy. It’s easy to slip into comfort foods (for me that’s a whole lot of baked goods made with tons of butter and sugar) and you defiantly should indulge from time to time! We can’t be perfect, especially in the midst of a pandemic. But alongside the junk food, let’s add some fruits and vegetables. Or find healthier alternatives to our favourite junk. We’ve been here for months already, and we probably will be for some time yet, the least we can do for our bodies is try to keep it healthy. I believe all this will help with school. Fuelling your body with proper food and exercise will allow you to better tackle your academics.

Tip #3: Organization

Organization is key even in normal school days, and it’s easy to relax on that with online learning, especially when you can hide behind your screen. But it’s also much easier for things to slide between the cracks when everything is digital. One thing I found works very well for me is to sit down first thing Monday morning and write done all the things I have to learn, do, and hand-in for each class. Then I’d have a physical reminder of the things needed to be done and the satisfaction of checking things off.

Now the way you organize is purely up to you and what you find the easiest. It could be a simple checklist on a piece of paper, it could be an elaborate journal spread, a calendar, sticky notes, even a digital calendar or checklist! Anything that helps you keep everything in order. I find knowing what I have to do and the task I must tackle gives me a sense of direction and I’m not pondering “what should I do next? What do I have to do? Am I missing something?”

Tip #4&5: Breaks and Clear Lines

It’s very easy for school and home to become muddled during online learning, when you’re doing the learning from your home, maybe your room or even from your bed! It’ll feel like school is always there and you can’t catch a break. You might even spend all day studying and worrying that you’re not utilizing your time properly, or that you should be using this time to get ahead. Nonsense! You don’t need to do anymore than what you need to do. You need breaks. I made the mistake of spending all day studying, from 9-5 at the beginning. But that was unrealistic and sent me into a state of exhaustion pretty quickly. Instead you need a break for lunch and some scrolling through your phone or reading, chatting with your family, and being away from “school.” Just like lunch time at school!

The other part of this is the clear lines. Try as much as possible to keep a section of your house just for school, even if it’s a corner of your room or your desk. This way you can clearly close your books and remove yourself from that place at the end of the day and return to it the next day. This way you’re not tempted to keep working when you don’t need to anymore.

Well, that’s all from me! Of course this is just what I will be doing and keeping in mind to help me. It’s what I’ve learned from previous experiences. I hope it gives you ideas on how to approach your own school year and good luck!

Thank you for reading and see you next time ❤