The Coronavirus pandemic has left students confined in their homes, leading to educational institutions (schools and colleges) shifting their classes online. The drastic change in routine for students who are used to studying in a classroom environment can prove to be a bit challenging for many. The daily mundane tasks, sitting in front of your screens all day long, not being able to interact with your peers and teachers as frequently can lead to a lot of anxiety and stress.
Online education is a different ball-game altogether and coping up with it can be a tad overwhelming. Most institutions in India and abroad, including ISBF, have shifted their classes, lectures, remedial sessions etc. online to not hamper their students’ education in any way. While online learning isn’t an entirely novel concept, in traditional classroom learning models, studying a curriculum as challenging and rigorous as that of The London School of Economics digitally can prove to be justly overwhelming.
Here are some common tips and tricks that can help you cope with all the stress and manage your ‘study from home’ schedule like a pro (or at the very least get you started!):
Build your niche corner
It is highly imperative that you have a space to study in peace. Choose a spot in your home that is comfortable, is well-lit and airy, and is out-of-the-way of the everyday hustle and bustle of a household. In case you already have space and are still not feeling the vibe, go all Marie-Kondo on it and clean it out; decluttering your study desk and keeping it squeaky clean is the best way to get into the zone of concentrating.
Distance yourself from distractions
Your study space should be free of jargons and distractions. Choose a secluded corner, only keep with you the resource materials needed for what you are studying at a particular time. This helps you in getting through your readings and coursework, quickly and efficiently. Pro-tip, if you are easily distracted by your phone and music, keep your headphones and phone away.
Make a schedule (apart from your online class schedule)
Keeping track of what you want to study after your classes can be a little daunting and you can’t immediately jump into self-study after classes. Make a reasonable schedule with ample breaks in between, schedule other activities as well. Don’t make a schedule that revolves only around your academics, keep room for other activities even if it's something basic like watching Netflix. Above all, once you have a schedule in place, stick to it!
Take breaks and reward yourself
You must take short breaks between your self-study sessions. No one can continue studying indefinitely, if you have a schedule and you stuck to it, reward yourself. It is not easy to concentrate when you know that the world is enveloped in a pandemic; pat yourself on the back.
Stay connected
Keeping in touch with your friends apart from coursework related activities is a good way to cope with stress. Simply laughing at a random thing will make things a little light-hearted and help you go back to a quarantined life not so dull or drab.
Education in times of exigent circumstances can be a little difficult to concentrate on, but you can’t put it on hold. Above are a few tips that you can put in place to make your life a little easier and set a routine in place; even if you are stuck at home.