Tips On How To Stay Focused
The 2020 spring semester took a turn no one saw coming due to COVID-19. With a sudden shift from an active campus life to now having class in your home via online learning, students are being stretched in new academic ways, which may invite some adjustment struggles. This is 100% understandable! In the same manner, you’re new work environment also might be at home now, too! As you’re adjusting to your new classroom and/or office setting, check out these helpful tips on how to stay focused.
Find the Zen Zone
What furniture arrangement may work for the comforts of home may not be the ideal situation now that your area has added new lifestyle elements. If having difficulty finding your bearings, rearrange some things to help you find that work/life/school balance. Perhaps moving your desk to face a window and away from the rest of your apartment may do the trick. This simple move with your back toward living space not only helps create a separation with home life, it also allows you to take in the peaceful outdoors visually.
Unplug
You are hereby given permission to unplug… even if it’s just for 30 minutes, an hour, or more. With the constant barrage of text messages, phone calls coming in, email alerts, social media happenings, etc., it’s important to know when to step away for some needed peace and quiet. If technology is distracting you from homework or a work project, maybe it’s time to flip that silent switch to focus on your A-game.
Practice Being Present
Whose mind doesn’t wander from time to time? After all, a little daydreaming can be fun; however, if that mental vacation takes away too much time needed for a pressing assignment, it’s important to refocus on the task in front of you. From breathing techniques and meditation to knowing how to avoid the triggers that can rob your attention, there are a number of ways to train your brain to be more present.
Invest In a Planner
If you don’t own one already, have one shipped your way! There’s something to be said about writing down tasks, assignments, and deadlines that significantly help keep your schedule organized and improves your productivity. You’d be amazed how checking off items on your to-do list can also be a source of stress relief!
Invest In You
Above all else, make sure you’re prioritizing your health and quality of life. Instead of staying up all night playing video games or binging on a new show, opt for a good night’s rest. Instead of feasting on pizza and a plethora of snacks, learn how to master some healthy recipes that help keep your brain alert for good paper writing. Instead of extended couch-sitting, get up and move around — tackle your apartment stairs a few times, go for a brisk walk while maintaining social distancing, step outside on your porch and breathe in some fresh air.
Don’t Compare
Remember, what tips and tricks work for one person may not be the best tools for you when it comes to practicing different ways to help you stay focused. Take some time to research a variety of methods that can help with the new classroom or working-from-home adjustment — you’re worth it.