Whether you are now distance learning as a student or having to work from home as a parent, it can be difficult to adjust. This should not be surprising. We were designed by God to enjoy relationship, fellowship and interaction with one another. We are doing out best to promote this through our distance learning plan, it isn’t the same. I miss seeing my students. I miss having important academic and college conversations in person, teaching my classes in person and just having fun with my colleagues and students. I understand that many are suffering physically and financially at this time and I do not want to minimize that. I am trying to focus on the positives for myself and my family during this time. There have been positives, however, that have come from this time as well. We have the opportunity to be with family more, the opportunity is there to get to know your neighbors more, we’ve been able to get more rest, get some jobs done around the house that tend to get ignored in the busyness of life, read more and hopefully spend more time in God’s Word and growing closer to Him. This phase of life will pass, this pandemic will be over and we will get back to our “normal” way of life, but while we go through this unique and unusual time together, how can you not only survive, but thrive! Below are some tips and strategies for students to take.
As you have been transitioning to online learning. Below are very important tips for studying at home:
- Make time for quiet time
This should be your first priority because it’s only through Him that we will thrive during this time. If growing in our relationship with our Lord and Savior isn’t our first priority, what is? If we don’t do this, we will probably get overwhelmed by all the other things that are being thrown at us let alone the grim news we are hearing and reading everyday about the pandemic. If you haven’t made this time a priority and/or need some suggestions as to some great daily devotions you can do, please see the ones below that I have used. If you have a hard copy devotional as well like Our Daily Bread, these are great as well.
- Solid Joys daily devotional app by John Piper
- Truth For Life app by Alister Begg
- Bible Gateway app that has reading plans
- The Bible app that has reading plans
2. Create a designated work space
Choose a room, a corner of a room, or a chair that you can call your study space. It’ll make it easier to separate your school and home life if you have a specific location for class and homework within your house, and your family members will also be more likely to recognize that you’re working when you’re within your “school” area. Similarly, find a place in your house (or outdoors, if you have a backyard, porch, or nearby park) that you can go to relax and be away from your work for a while.
3. Keep friendships going
It’s easy to feel that all of your study groups, hangouts with friends, etc. have disappeared overnight with on campus school being closed, but it’s possible to keep those relationships going remotely. Scheduling a phone or FaceTime call with people you know from school can be intimidating, because it may feel like you need to have a specific goal or purpose for the call. But even if you’re just holding a remote dance party with friends or hanging out and talking while you all do everyday things in your homes, it’ll help ease feelings of loneliness to hear and see people you care about.
4. Schedule yourself like you are still at school
One of the most challenging things about the sudden move from having school at an actual school to home can be the loss of many different kinds of ways you spent your time at school. Make sure you attend your online classes on time, but when you have that time between classes, during lunch or even a longer break because of a study hall or class that isn’t meeting online on that day, go outside and get some fresh air, exercise, chat with your friends while outside, and get away from the screen. I will say this is most important at least during the actual school day from 8:30am-3:00pm. Most of you, after school were involved in sports or another extra curricular activity. Can you still continue these activities in some way during the time you would have them normally? That’s a good routine to get into.
5. Be kind to yourself
Having to abruptly uproot your school life is an emotionally disturbing experience, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you find you’re having trouble concentrating on work. Communicate with your teachers about your needs and allow yourself some time each day to process the feelings you may be having. Other students are likely feeling the same way too, so if you want to, call a friend or classmate to talk about how you’re doing. Mrs. O’Leary and myself are only a phone call or Zoom meeting away as well. Don’t be hesitant to ask for advice, help or you just want to talk to someone. We’re here for you!
6. Keep a regular sleep schedule
Even though it’s now actually possible to set your alarm to 30 seconds before the start of class, you’ll get a better quality of sleep if you go to bed and wake up at roughly the same times each day. Avoid doing work or spending time on the your phone in bed if you can, because these activities may cause your brain to associate the bed with thinking and being awake, rather than sleep and relaxation. Plus, you are in front of a screen way more than you are used to so try to find times you would normally be on your phone and put it down.
7. Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity boosts your mental health and provides a much-needed break from everyday stress. If traditional exercise is more your style, go running or walking in your neighborhood or in a local park, or look for a free exercise-guidance website or app to give you daily routines to follow.
