Online school tips to get motivated

MANAGING MENTAL MOTIVATION

Highlanders share tips on how to stay motivated and successful during distance learning

FEEL THE FRESH AIR

In an isolated environment, it is important to get enough exercise, especially walking. “The process of moving your body forward is very good for releasing stress,” science teacher Catherine Hott said. “Physical forward movement helps create mental forward movement so that you can see your next step.”

ABSOLUTE GOALS

Set goals and find the reasons behind them. “For students to feel motivated, they have to think why,” Hott said. “Buy into the idea that motivation is an important thing to develop and stay in tune with.”

STOP SCROLLING

Take scheduled breaks throughout the day and try to maximize time off screen. “[After school,] I force myself not to look at another screen for 1530 minutes,” school psychologist Carol Ann Forrest said. She prefers going outside on walks, talking with friends or listening to audiobooks while reminding herself that part of the reason she’s doing it is to give her eyes a break.

JOT IN A JOURNAL

Taking time to journal for a couple minutes can help relieve stress. Hott said that what you write does not matter—put down whatever thoughts you have in your head.

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BEDS ARE FOR SLEEPING

Avoid taking classes and doing schoolwork in bed. “When kids do their schoolwork in bed, it becomes really easy for them to snuggle up and close their eyes,” Forrest said.

TIME TO TAKE CARE

Set some time after school for personal activities. “After school is over, have stuff to do...like maybe go out on a walk, watch a movie or do [some other] activity,” sophomore Tabasum Chowdhury said. “Make plans ahead so you have something to look forward to; [it will help] you get through school with much more energy and positivity.”

STUDY SMART

Hott recommends the Pomodoro method, in which you work for 25 minutes and take a 5- to 10-minute break afterwards. If you’re in a productive slump, try the 10-minute rule—promise to only work on that one assignment for 10 minutes. You’ll most likely want to continue working, but if not, move on to the next assignment. Over time, these methods can make you feel more driven.

OCEAN OF OPTIMISM

Remind yourself that many of the things happening now are temporary. “Understand that it’s not forever and it’ll pass…people will get over it,” Chowdhury said. “Everything will go back to normal—maybe not the normal we know now—but it will become less hectic.”

NIFTY TECH

Use meditation apps like Headspace and Calm in order to calm down and decompress. Work timer apps can also improve focus. When it comes to setting clear objectives, use list-making apps or hand-write lists and outlines. OCTOBER | FEATURES | 19