1. Utilize Google Calendar 

• Found on the top left corner of Google Classroom, it shows all of the week’s assignments and due dates laid out day by day. It’s useful to help keep track of due dates and turning in assignments! 

2. Take a break in between classes and at lunch

•  Staring at your computer all day can cause you to burn out and have a negative effect on your day.  Taking a break to get off your computer, go outside, eat a snack–anything can help you feel less stressed and sluggish throughout the day.

3. Wednesday–ask for help during your teachers’ office hours

• Take advantage of Wednesday office hours. From 8:15-11:00 AM, teachers have open slots for certain amounts of time when you can schedule a meeting with them one-on-one to get extra help. Email your teachers to set up a time, or some teachers use Google calendars to fill spots up.

4. Make an organized study space 

• Finding a quiet space with a desk or table makes it so much easier to be productive. Personally, I sit at my desk with whatever materials I need for that class, my agenda, and my computer. I find that sitting in my bed all day makes it so much harder to get work done. 

5. Write down everything you have to do for the week, add things, cross things off–it’s satisfying

• One of my favorite organization techniques is writing everything down. If you don’t have an agenda, use a blank piece of paper and write down each class period from A-G. Then, under each class, bullet point all the work you have for the week and include due dates next to each. Add assignments as you receive them. After finishing an assignment, cross it off! It’s really satisfying. 

6. Set a routine 

• It’s hard, especially after not having a routine for the past six months. However, it’s very beneficial. Waking up at a reasonable time, making your bed, eating breakfast, going to class, taking a break for lunch, etc. Even after school routines, fitting it sports, homework, dinner, can be stressful, but having certain times to do those things can also be helpful. 

7. Maintain a positive attitude

• This is a hard year for everyone–students, teachers, and parents. If you tell yourself you can’t do something or you have no motivation to do anything, you’re going to believe it. Tell yourself you know it’s going to be a hard year, and you’re going to make mistakes, but you’re still going to work and try your hardest!

8. Make your bed in the morning 

• It’s so tempting to skip making your bed when you’re home all day, but this simple routine starts your day off right, and studies have shown that making your bed in the morning is beneficial. According to Naval Admiral William McRaven, a commander of U.S Operations, “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another…” 

9. Don’t be afraid to email your teachers 

• It may be awkward at first, but you’ll feel so much better after. Plus, teachers are there to help you, and during this weird year, you are expected to be confused and want to ask questions! Be respectful in your email, and try not to send it too late! Teachers aren’t robots, and they don’t have to answer your questions late into the night. 

10. Purchase blue light glasses

• Have you ever had a headache after a remote school day? Blue light glasses help to protect your eyes from the damage of staring at your screen all day, including reducing headaches. They have become extremely popular because so many activities have transitioned to the computer. Amazon has them in all different kinds of patterns and they are inexpensive.