Although 2020 has officially ended and the release of the vaccine to the general public is on the horizon, Covid-19 is still impacting students’ education. Due to the virus, many students are opting for a virtual learning experience for many reasons. For some, this is negatively impacting their education, whereas, for others, it has been a positive experience. As a virtual student myself, I have a few tips that may help ease the stress and make virtual learning easier. I hope that these tips are helpful and wish you all a successful second semester!
1. Having a Daily Schedule
A daily schedule can be a useful tool for students who struggle with organization. Your daily schedule can be as specific or vague as you want, as long as it is helpful. I use a daily schedule because it makes it easier for me to see what I have to do in a day and plan around it. I find having a daily schedule makes it to be productive and eliminates some stress. When you have a daily schedule you don’t have to worry or wonder as much about what you’re going to do that day.
2. A Consistent Bed and Wake-Up Time
Going to bed and waking up around the same time is something that just about every student struggles with at some point. Now that a lot of us are at home, it can be tempting to stay up later than you should or hit that snooze button for an extra ten minutes of rest. However, not having a consistent bed and wake up time can mess up your day. Not getting enough sleep can make it harder for you to focus, irritable, and lead to burnout. If you have a hard time falling asleep and don’t want to take melatonin then I recommend meditation around thirty minutes before you go to bed. Meditation helps you to relax physically and mentally, which can make going to bed a lot easier. Then there is the matter of waking up at the same time regularly. Waking consistently at the same time is important for your school and sleep schedule.
3. Eating When You Are Hungry
I know that we’ve all heard the spiel that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Although that was made of by cereal companies in order to increase their sales, it is really important to eat whenever your brain is communicating to you that you need to. Supporting your bodies needs allows for you to feel more energiezed and your mind won’t be occupied with hunger.
4. Staying Hydrated
Like the tip before, drinking enough water is necessary for your body to function properly. Being properly hydrated helps you feel energiezed, lowers risk of getting a headache, and it helps keep ya healthy! So, drink up!
5. Take Care of Yourself!
Self care is something that is constantly talked about in social media, but no one is ever really specific on how to do self care. To be completely honest self care is really up to your needs and wants. However, here are some self care things you can do as a stress reliever or way to relax. One thing you can do is journal and/or meditate. Journaling and meditation are great ways to de-stress and relax after a long day of school. Another thing you can do as an act of self care is to take some time doing something that you love. Whether that be reading, drawin, or gaming, there is nothing wrong with taking some time to enjoy your favorite activity.
Some of these tips may not be accessible to always possible to do and that’s okay. If you are struggling and need resources please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school administration. I hope that these tips are helpful and that you, dear reader, have a wonderful second semester!
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Jade Buchanan
Little Rock, AR
Parkview Magnet High Junior