The fall semester starts with remote learning on most of the courses due to the pandemic. Studying from home brings new challenges to the studies, but on the other hand, it might be easier to concentrate when working from home.
Here are METKA’s tips that will make you remote studies succeed!
Plan ahead
- Especially during independent studies it is good to make a clear distinction between working hours and free time.
- Make a weekly plan: on which days will you study which subject.
- Make a list of tasks using either apps or pen and paper! The list will help you see the big picture. When you are done with a task, crossing it over gives you a feeling of accomplishment and helps you see your progress.
Concentrate
- Remove chats and other things requiring your attention from your field of view. The “Mute” feature is your friend!
- Use timers to divide your working hours! 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of pause will suit some students, while an hour of uninterrupted work before a break will be better for others.
- A traditional kitchen timer or the timer on your phone are fine for the task. You can also just google “timer 30 minutes” and let your browser remind you when it’s time for a break!
- If you share your home with someone or you have a family, it is good to negotiate the daily schedules so that everyone will have peaceful time for work or studies.
- Good earphones are precious! You can use them for either blocking distracting noise or attending remote meetings.
Pauses
- Take proper pauses between remote classes or working periods! Move away from the computer, walk around, roll your shoulders.
- Eat your lunches and snacks anywhere but in the front of a screen.
- Take breaks also for your eyes! It helps them to relax. Remember the rule of 20-20-20: In every 20 minutes, look at least 20 meters away for at least 20 seconds.
Ergonomics
- Don’t slouch on the sofa, even if it’s possible at home! A good working posture and changing positions during the day are vital for your back and also for your ability to concentrate.
- If possible, work while standing every now and then! You can use for example books to make a standing working station.
- In this article an expert describes the six most common problems in ergonomics. The illustrated article is in Finnish.
Good luck for your fall semester! Follow these tips and it should be easier and more effective!
This post is also available in Suomi.