by Ifeoma Ikedionwu (YE4C Intern) and the YE4C Editorial Board

A lot has happened since switching school and work to online in March earlier this year. This is the beginning of a next chapter in our lives even though the last one ended in ways we weren’t expecting. We have been able to manage the transition well but starting our next academic year online may be difficult. These lifestyle changes can be especially hard for young people and affect us in different ways.

The YE4C interns and editorial board understand and are going through similar changes. To help, we have gotten together and created a list of some tips we have used to help adjust to this new normal. We hope that young people who have switched to online schooling or online work can use these tips to tackle changes to their school/work routines as well.

1. Create a Game Plan
   • Even if you are in the same room all day, set alarms for “school/work time” and “home time” to help you remember when it’s time to work and when it’s time to relax.
   • Create a to-do list each morning and check things off throughout the day as you finish tasks. This can help you feel accomplished and keep you on track.
   • Our phones have so many fun features and settings to help us. Play around with your email, phone, and calendar settings to help make your phone the ultimate personal assistant.
     
2. Set Aside a Workspace
   • If you can, set up a workstation in your room or on a dining table corner to help make it feel like you are back at school. Only doing work in that area can help you focus as well.
     • Set up your computer and notepads with a stack of pens.
     • Try to sit next to a window or natural light.
     
3. Stick to a Schedule
   • Even though you don’t have to catch your 8 am class or the bus anymore, try to wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day. It helps keep your body from feeling tired in the middle of the afternoon.
   • When you wake up, change your clothes and get dressed as if it was a regular day to help get your mind ready to tackle the day.
   • Develop a nighttime routine and morning routine to help get your brain and body prepared for the day.
     • Ex: Stream a movie or read a book the hour before going to bed; go for a morning run/walk to start your day.
     
4. Eliminate Distractions
   • It’s always surprising when a 5-minute break becomes 2 hours of streaming. Setting app limits on your phone can help control your screen time. At the end of the day, you can review your usage and set goals for tomorrow.
   • Turning on “Airplane mode” or "Do Not Disturb" when you’re in your study space can help prevent taking impromptu breaks to check your notifications.
     
5. Set up Accountability Partners
   • It can be easy to lose track of the things you have to do. Team up with your friends and keep each other accountable with daily/weekly check-ins. This is also a good way to stay in touch with your classmates.

    

With all of these tips, it is also important to remember to take breaks from time to time to recharge. With your school, work, and relaxation all happening in the same place, it may be hard to know when to take breaks. We are all experiencing various emotions and may need more time to relieve the pressure than we normally do. Don’t be afraid to split up your regular working hours to manageable chunks throughout the day. Check out this link to find tips to manage our physical, mental, and social wellbeing during these changes to our regular routines.