COVID-19 has turned the public’s educational expectations upside down. Despite the uncertainty, the nation’s teachers will continue to do excellent work with their students; though the scope of this will likely continue to be different from traditional setups. The biggest change that has been implemented is the use of remote learning. Adjusting to this method of education can be a challenge, so read on for some tips on how to stay focused:

Maintain a regular sleep schedule

Staying at home can really mess up your routine if you’re not careful. When your home becomes your place for both relaxation and school/work, it can be hard to keep track of what you’re supposed to be doing and when. Mitigate the effects of this by going to sleep and waking up at a set time every morning/night. Your executive functioning will improve and you’ll be able to accomplish more throughout your studies.

Establish a routine

If your classes are held virtually at the same time throughout the week, use a scheduling/agenda app to put that information in your phone. Schedule breaks in between classes, as well as blocks of time that you will use to complete your homework. Getting yourself in the habit of completing specific tasks at specific times of the day will help you focus.

Eat well

Our brains need us to eat healthy food on a regular basis in order to function well. When you establish your routine, set designated times throughout the day for you to eat a balanced meal. Staying energized will keep your brain focused while taking notes, doing homework, attending virtual classes, and studying remotely.

Cut out distractions

Just as your teacher would expect you to have your phone put away during class, you should have that expectation for yourself as well. Learning remotely can tempt you to look at your phone or other tabs on your browser when you’re supposed to be studying, but this behavior will only set you behind. Instead, only keep necessary windows open on your computer and set your phone to “do not disturb” mode. Better yet, keep your phone in a different room until it’s time for a break.

Learning remotely may be a new situation to get used to, but it doesn’t have to be a major headache. If you need help focusing, follow these tips and always remember to reach out to your teachers or counselors for assistance! You’ve got this!