This is our second full semester online, and the first was not easy. Balancing 18 credits of classes plus an internship is definitely a challenge, to say the least. However, over the course of the fall semester, I picked up a few things that helped me stress less and unwind.
1. Use the heck out of your planner
Last semester, I learned that using my planner to plan out what I needed to get done each day really helped me out. It taught me balance. I would do work for my asynchronous classes in the morning and do work for my synchronous classes in the evening. On my internship days, I would focus solely on my internship duties so my mind wasn’t all over the place.
Plan things out so you’re not doing a lot of work all in one day or pulling all-nighters.
2. Hang out with friends -- virtually of course
Your social life is still important in a pandemic, and what better way to socialize than over Zoom! My friends and I planned times to meet over Zoom so we could still “hang out” from the comfort and safety of our homes. Even though you can’t hang out with people physically, Zoom is the next best thing.
3. Take breaks, and reward yourself for any accomplishments (big or small)
I cannot stress enough how important it is to take breaks so you don’t become drained. Reward yourself after each task you get done.
You finished writing two pages of your essay? Watch a YouTube video. You finished a worksheet? Get yourself a snack. You finished an exam? Go on TikTok for 30 minutes.
It is so important to take breaks and reward yourself for the hard work you’re doing this semester so you don’t get overworked and stressed.
4. Don’t be afraid to talk to your professors!
Emailing your professors about things you don’t understand can be intimidating, but it ends up being helpful in the end!
If something is unclear, especially in an asynchronous class where you don’t actually meet with your professor over Zoom, email them. They are always more than happy to help you. They know this semester is going to be rough, and they are willing to help you if you need it!
This blog post was written by Christina Billie, Vice President.