This school year has been unruly and complicated. We may not want to admit it but school gave us a sense of structure and routine.  Now, with virtual learning, getting into the groove has been challenging. We all need a little organization and routine to help us be successful. To make life just a more manageable, go easy on yourself during these difficult times. Here is some advice to help your hard days go smoother. 

1. Wake up a few minutes prior to your first class, even if it’s just 10 minutes to give your brain a chance to wake up and get started. This is because you will learn better and focus better when you are awake and over the grogginess of your night of rest. 
2. Eat something. It doesn’t have to be a big breakfast; just something to give you the fuel you need. According to the article, “Breakfast: Is It the Most Important Meal?,” “Skipping the morning meal can throw off your body’s rhythm of fasting and eating. When you wake up, the blood sugar your body needs to make your muscles and brain work their best is usually low. Breakfast helps replenish it.”
3. Get out of bed and do your online classes in a place that isn’t your bedroom or bed.  According to an article from Rabbit Food, “Your body subconsciously creates different “zones” for activities you do throughout the day. The kitchen is associated with cooking and eating, the living room with family and relaxation and the bedroom with sleeping. Studying in your bed or even your bedroom can make you lethargic and unproductive.”
4. Pay attention in your classes. Try your best to pay attention to the lesson and what is currently being taught. It may be difficult but in the long run you will be extremely thankful you know the material.
5. Give yourself breaks. Either during your lunch break or in between classes give yourself a few minutes to relax. In the article “The Science of Taking a Break,” it states: “Many studies have found that pausing for a moment to relax and reboot is essential for achieving productivity, success, and a positive outlook on the future. This is especially true for students who spend hours huddled in front of a computer. While many believe cram sessions and all-night study groups will ultimately help them earn their college degree, the fact is that not taking regular breaks can lead to a significant decrease in academic performance and, in some cases, serious health concerns like anxiety, insomnia, and depression.”
6. Do your homework after classes. After your classes you are still in the school mindset, so get some of your homework done during that time when you are most focused.
7. Get some fresh air and get a break from electronics. Grab a mask and a friend (one who has been quarantined of course) and go to the park or maybe grab some food and take a walk. Taking a break from the computer screen and getting some personal time can drastically change your mood as well as how you are feeling. 
8. Take deep breaths. Things can get really challenging and stressful. If you find yourself overwhelmed, step back and take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down and regroup.  In the article, “Take a Deep Breath,” the author says, “Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness. Breathing techniques help you feel connected to your body—it brings your awareness away from the worries in your head and quiets your mind.”

For more information on this topic:

• https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/breakfast-lose-weight#1
• https://rabbitfood.sdstate.edu/online/prepare-your-study-space-for-online-learning
• https://www.onlineschools.org/science-of-study-breaks/
• https://www.stress.org/take-a-deep-breath#:~:text=Deep%20breathing%20increases%20the%20supply,head%20and%20quiets%20your%20mind