A lot of you have unexpectedly found yourselves finishing out the school year at home. Remote learning is an art, one that i’ve gotten the hang off over the past 3 years of working remotely, and taking online classes.

Here are some tips i’ve picked up along the way that will set you up for success! View my full list of gear here.

Make a To-Do List - There is always an endless amount of work to be done. I’m goal-oriented, so if I’m not checking boxes off a list, I feel like a slacker and like nothing got done. Also, this creates a boundary, or end of your school day. Because there is always more that can be done, it’s really easy to work way too much. If I get through my list, I’m done for the day. I love the app To Do. It allows you to create separate “lists,” so I divvy up tasks across my different responsibilities - school, work, personal, etc. It also places tasks on your calendar, as well as reminders should you need them. It truly organizes my workflow.

Don’t Get Too Cozy - While the couch may be calling your name, make sure to sit at a table, or a desk if space permits, during school hours. Not only is it easier to lose focus on the task at hand, but it’s also hard on your back and neck. Same goes for logging into video lectures while laying on your couch. Believe it or not, you often hear a difference in a person’s voice when they’re speaking sitting up or while pacing, versus while they’re laying down.

Comfortable Work Sitch - This one is a bit dorky, but when I’m powering through work at a table, I tend to get a back ache/hunch over. I bought this Satechi portable laptop stand and this larger laptop stand, and they were game changers. The Setechi folds into itself, so I just tuck it into my laptop case, and the larger one stays on my desk. I used to get back pain from hunching over my laptop, and getting a laptop stand did the trick.

I also purchased a wireless keyboard and mouse for ease, since the larger stand I use makes it hard to type.

Determine Your Peak Hours - I get my best work done in the morning. I wake up between 5 - 7AM and work for a few hours because it’s when i’m most alert, and can get a LOT done. There are also significantly less distractions. I get more done in three hours of morning work than five hours in the afternoon. I also HATE working or reading for class between the hours of 5 - 8PM, so I rarely even bother to try. I’m always a little fatigued from the day by then, and everyone is up at at ‘em, at this point, so there is more distraction. Find the pockets of time where you feel energized and focused, and work or study then.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings - I’m talking about the people you’re quarantining with. It’s important that if you chose places to work or study that are conducive to getting things done.

Think about what you need to do in order to successfully complete your tasks. This may mean working in your room, rather than in the living room, where your siblings are watching TV. You are in charge of your success, so find the environment that guarantees that.

End Your Day - When you finish school “stuff” for the day, shut off your computer, and put it away, ideally in a separate room. Out of sight, out of mind. Days have the potential to blend together when you are at home for such a long period of time, so it’s important to set boundaries. When you spot your laptop out of the corner of your eye, it’s tempting to grab and start working on assignments. It’s important to recharge and relax so you can be an effective student during lecture.