Classes have resumed, but this time, we do not have to go anywhere—a dream for some, but a nightmare for others. You may be struggling to get to your (online) class on time, or to stay focused on what the teacher is saying. Perhaps you spend too much time on the same chair and your back hurts later. Everyone is struggling to adapt to the new online system, and if we want to succeed, we have to help each other out. Here are some tips to help you focus and maybe even work better during distance learning:

• Try isolating yourself from your family when doing your work. Working in a room by yourself is a good way to stay on task.
• Make yourself a set schedule. Going to sleep and waking up at a consistent time will help your body and mind stay focused.
• Take stretch breaks. You will not be able to walk from class to class at home, so take the time in between classes to walk around your house a little to get your legs and arms moving.
• Stay away from distractions. Phones, video game consoles, or other items are a sure way to get distracted. Give them to your parents to keep until you are done working or put them out of sight and out of reach.
• Do your homework right after class. You might tell yourself,  “I can do the homework later; I’ve got all day.” But you will get distracted and forget to do your homework until the last minute. Doing it right after school ends will allow you to easily remember things learned in your lesson in class, and you will not have to worry about doing homework for the rest of the day!
• Make yourself comfortable. You are going to be spending lots of time in front of your computer, so why not make yourself comfortable? A pillow for your back, room to move your legs, and a glass of water are good starters to a more comfortable experience.
• Put alarms on your computer or phone to remind you when a certain class starts so that you are ready for it. You can even set it for a couple of minutes earlier to make sure you are all set!
• Socialize. You may not be able to see your friends physically, but you should still talk to them. Keep up with them via Facetime, Snapchat, or Instagram.
• Stay Positive. This pandemic is hard. It is something we have never faced before; but together, we can make the best of it. Stay with your positive energy when in a class, or with your family.
• Give the teachers a break. We all have that one teacher who does not realize their microphone is muted or who takes forever to admit students into the Teams meeting. We must realize that many of the teachers are fairly new to this technology, and that they did not exactly have practice time to figure out how everything works. Just like we are learning, our teachers are learning how to teach classes to students they cannot even see.

And, at the end of the day, take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back.  We are all doing great!