Unexpected changes surged in the academic realm as the pandemic crisis came out of the blue. The mood is changing. Hype unfound. People are adjusting. We are all trying and surviving.
As we face this sudden change, a new catchword was born— the "new normal": depicting life's reality of moving forward despite the despites.
It is almost three months since classes started— eight long months of physically isolating. It could have left you thinking if anyone dared imagine this striking disease to affect the human race- like a scene taken straight from the 1995 movie 'Outbreak.'
This global health crisis has led to a myriad of problems, ranging from mental and physical health to bad Wi-Fi connections to having a place to stay. Students stressed in ways they had never imagined, and nothing about our current situation can be considered stable.
Life as a student must go on. Learners were given choices for the new modes of learning: modular and online.
Like many students nationwide, Norma, a 19-year-old college student is facing the challenges of unexpectedly switching to online classes due to the coronavirus outbreak and needs to attend classes around three to four days a week. Through the first week of adjusting to the new normal, she was getting the hang of it. The daily routine has changed - early cold showers and traffic jams are no longer on the scene, and plugging the gadget's charger, facing the screen, and listening to another set of learnings are now the routine that matters.
The routine continued as realization dawned on her. Her physical and mental health has been at stake, just like how studies revealed its negative impact. She knew that her emotional health was affected; it alarmed her that she needed to recalibrate her mind and redirect her steps to withstand the battle.
Are you like Norma, who is drained, tired, and sleep-deprived? Are you intrigued as to how Norma was able to stand up again and continue kicking to the new academic setup? Do you want to know her tips?
Being emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted affects our school performances and goals. One needs to modify and reinforce some ways to flee from burning-out. You're in luck to read to these tips, helping you out on your virtual classes.
1. Set the stage Do not slouch while studying your lessons, build your academic corner instead. Grab your light, set your table as your stage in performing well in your studies, find a comfortable chair, and make sure that the area is clean and well-organized.
2. Eyes on the prize Bombarded with tasks? Better grab your pen and paper and make a To-Do list. This list can help you focus on the "ultimate goal" because it will provide you a sense of direction on the things that you are confused about. Schedule every work you are about to do to avoid forgetting them.
3. Later is too late Do not procrastinate, be mindful of your tasks and activities, and do not be so confident in long deadlines. This is also for you to have enough time to revise your work and enhance it. Start now or cry later?
4. Hold your clock Minimize your unnecessary habits. Manage your time well and prioritize your goals first than anything else. Balance your personal and academic stuff. Work at your own pace.
5. Be optimistic Doubting yourself? Sometimes crying is the best way to feel relief and that is okay, but it is not okay when you let this fester in your system. Do not lose hope; hold your torch, and keep the fire burning. Life is too short to frown; get yourself out of the box, increase your interest in your work.
6. Call a friend You might be struggling in dealing with your modules, but remember, there will always be someone you can lean on and share your cups of tea with. Tap your friends, interact with them, consult with them, do not hesitate to reach them in times of your hardships. Know that you are not alone.
7. Me time If you feel burned out with your tasks, forget them for a while, leave them for a bit. Have some time for yourself, and have some outlet for your leisure. Break that stress and do what you love.
8. Take a nap It is completely understandable if you need to step away from the computer for a few hours or if you need to take a day to sleep-in. Taking the time to recover is necessary, and you should not feel bad about it. Having enough rest helps you develop new ideas and have a commendable output.
Take note, these are just a few tips to lighten up the heavy bag on your shoulders. Ungkat tells you that there is no 'one-size-fits-all'. In fact, strategies and tips are around the corner, all bound to at least work for you.
Do not lose hope. Everything will fall in its place again. Studying is hard work and perseverance; learn to have fun and take the challenge.
Words by Khim Raices Khan Satuita, Lattrel Ylaya, and Vina Pastrana Layout by Kiziah Magbanua
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