At this time most of us have adjusted to the online school and work setting. Although not ideal, we are doing what we can to make this new reality work for us. Staying focused and getting work done may be a little challenging which is why here at the SAA, we wanted to give some tips on how to stay successful while working from home.
Tip 1:
Leave your phone alone while you are working. Seriously. Your phone offers countless distractions that could leave you wondering how checking that one text turned into three hours on TikTok. If you are completing school work, try leaving your phone in a different room or at least put it on do not disturb. It’s hard to get into the zone of finishing work when your phone is lighting up with every message from your Snapchat group chat. Scrolling your feeds will feel so much more relaxing when you have gotten work for the day done and can truly disassociate.
Tip 2:
Take breaks! On a normal week outside of quarantine, you probably are not spending hours straight staring at your computer. You walk between classes, grab food, and talk to friends. Try to imitate these actions between Zoom meetings and class work. Go on a walk outside, make a snack and talk to someone you're social-distancing with or call someone. Trying to work all day will not allow you to produce your best work. Everyone needs beaks.
Tip 3:
Attend as many optional class activities as possible. We all know the course requirements have changed for the term, and this may be an incentive to do the bare minimum as far as your school work. However, in order to do your best on assignments and tests, try to be present at all Zoom meetings and other virtual group activities. This situation is not ideal for anyone, but learning and growing are not possible if you are sleeping through lectures.
Tip 4:
Prioritize self care. When you are staying at home all day, your normal routines can start to slip and bad habits can arise. Make sure you are doing your best to stay clean, well-groomed and healthy. Since you cannot go to the gym or barber anymore, do what you can: try going for a run or doing a YouTube workout, keep your sleep and shower schedule consistent, and let your skin enjoy a face mask every now and then. Also make sure you are staying hydrated and eating fruits and vegetables. Constant snacking can be hard to avoid, but make sure some of them are doing your body (especially your immune system!) some good.
No matter where you are, or who you are with during these tough times, your Duck family is there for you every step of the way. Stay safe and stay home, not just for you, but for all of your classmates, professors, friends, and family that have supported you throughout your time at UO. Although we cannot be there for one another in person, never forget ducks flock together.