The 2020-2021 school year has introduced many changes. Students are now distance learning over Zoom from their homes, co-curricular activities are being held online, and all are trying to get into a routine and stay motivated. I think most students would agree that not spending each day together and socializing over Zoom isn’t ideal. However, several students I have spoken to agree that maintaining a daily routine makes their days and weeks much more enjoyable. A daily routine also helps to mitigate stress and promote organization and a clearer mind. I interviewed two students currently living in different time zones who shared their daily routines and how they stay motivated.
The first person was Georgia Meyer, a Catalina junior living in New York. She describes, “There are multiple tasks that I perform during the day to help myself stay motivated during online school. Although every day is slightly different, I tend to carry out the same morning and night routine. Every morning I try to wake up at 8:30 am, three hours before my first usual class at 11:30 am. After I wake up, I always brush my teeth, wash my face, change my outfit, and make my bed. I find that making my bed helps me not get back in it during the day and it is a way for me to complete one step of a busy day. Then, I drink water and eat something light before I do a quick workout. I love to go on walks or follow YouTube workouts. Moving my body in the morning helps me get energized, especially when i have to sit at my desk all day. After exercising, I take a shower and eat breakfast. Eating a balanced and filling breakfast in the morning helps me stay engaged during my multiple online Zoom classes. At 11:30 am, I have my first class and I complete my homework and have classes until about 6:00 pm. In between classes, I will have lunch, and after school, I like to go on a walk. If I don’t have an after school activity, I eat dinner with my family, and when dinner is done, I complete my homework due the next day. After I complete my homework I like to take some time for myself. Whether it’s watching movies on Netflix, baking a cozy treat, or hanging out with friends, I try to give myself time to de-stress and end my day on a positive note. I make sure to be in bed by 11:00 pm so that I can wake up energized the next day. Due to the time change and being home, I have had a lot of time to develop a schedule that supports my mental and physical health. Although I don’t have to wake up multiple hours before my classes, I find that having a structured schedule helps me stay motivated through distance learning.”
The second person interviewed was Caroline Maguire, a junior who is currently learning from Hong Kong. Caroline says, “Since I am international, it took me some time to find out the right routine with the time change. I usually wake up at around 12:00 pm, eat breakfast, and get ready for my day. I will usually do homework until 2:00 pm and then I do some form of exercise. After exercising I take some time for myself. I will either watch Netflix, see some friends, or just relax before I eat dinner around 6:00 pm. After dinner, I will finish any homework I have left and then I begin my classes at 11:30 pm. Depending on my classes, my bedtime varies. I usually end school between 3:00 and 4:00 am. Then, I will go to bed and repeat my routine the next day!”
It is very important that we all make a schedule to help us get through our days. Having a routine can help us to stay on task with our classes and also help our mood and mental health. To stay motivated, try making your own daily routine, making a checklist of what you need to accomplish each day, finding a Spotify playlist that makes you happy, calling a friend, or just staying positive! Even if there’s something simple you do each day that makes you happy and motivated, keep doing it. The smallest task can make a huge difference in your mental and physical health!
LAMPLIGHTER 