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At first, we thought that the pandemic and quarantine were going to last only for a short while– but eight months later, we’re still spotted rolling in our beds like dogs playing in the mud day until night. When going out, wearing masks and observing the protocols mandated by government officials remains a necessity. And worst, students are becoming tired as tasks are handed to them nonstop.
While they take classes with cameras turned off, some may say that they’re not paying attention to the professors on lecture but little do they know that they are actually staring at their screens for hours with puffy eye bags, messy hair, slumped shoulders, and an overall facial expression that says, “When will this stop?.”
COVID-19 and having to attend online school took out the enjoyment in learning and eventually became the combo that the students never wanted nor asked for. Compared to the old times where they were still able to look at their classmates eye-to-eye, converse with their teacher face-to-face, and communicate with others impromptu than that of what has happened now is, undeniably, a nightmare they encounter day-by-day.
It’s been two months since classes started last September yet it already feels like a year or two. Some may be in their houses stretching once in a while as they drown themselves with the deadlines they need to attend to but there are those who need to focus not only on their studies but also work and do some extra hustle on the side to support the needs of their family, especially to those with parents that lost their jobs as the pandemic intensified.
Therefore, begs the question, are they still okay?
Are their mental and emotional health well-balanced? Are they on the verge of burning out? It can be draining learning through mobile and laptop screens, and going 'back to school' when it looks considerably different and feels miserably distant may seem to appear difficult—but it does not have to be an everyday struggle.
Tips to get through virtual classes without burning out
If you’ve been feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically distraught, and it’s like you’re falling down a slope – lacking motivation, losing interest, and just stressing out even over the smallest things. Then, here is a guide to help you survive and navigate you out of your burn-out slump one-step-at-a-time.
1. List your goals for the year and assign rewards
The first day of school may seem centuries ago but this month is still a great time to list down and look back on the goals you’ve set for the year. Revisiting your plans on what kind of person you want to become despite the pandemic can reset your mind into motivating itself. With the corresponding rewards you set for each goal, you’ll be more inspired to finish your tasks and do well knowing that at the end of each target, compensation for your hard work is waiting.
Celebrate your successes and don’t be afraid of failure – use them as lessons and bases of improvement. Knowing your goals and knowing that you’re making progress can help when you’re feeling burnt-out. Take a moment to appreciate yourself and your efforts.
2. Manage your time
Online school is different from the traditional physical setting which is why it is important to remember and be aware of the time and pace you set for your activities. The new normal had you relying on your internet connection and gadget quality, depriving you of face-to-face interactions and physical connections.
To have an effective learning experience during this pandemic, you must understand the tasks given to you and prioritize which ones are needed to be finished first and which deserve to be pursued last. If needed, you can set up a timer for your work time and break time to avoid burning out.
3. Plan frequent short breaks
As humans, we have our limitations, and it is vital that we take breaks when we have already consumed most of our energy and time in doing certain tasks. Planning out short breaks can help you in renewing the interest and energy you lost from making your projects and listening to the lectures beforehand.
It is okay to take small steps in improving oneself because going for straight, nonstop performances can cause and worsen your burn-out. Take a breather, drink plenty of water, and when you’re on your short break, make sure to stretch your body, and do breathing exercises to calm yourself down.
4. Give your learning space a makeover
Unlike the classrooms from your school, the learning space you have at home wasn’t built to be used as an avenue for online learning. Just like teachers giving seating arrangements to students and putting up decorations in the room, it is important to switch things up occasionally in your studying area as online classes continue.
Set a tone and vibe in your space that can help you concentrate on your studies and online lectures. You can use Pinterest or do some research on the kind of learning set-up you find comfortable.
It’s like you taking a bath, cleaning your body, and dressing up to feel relaxed and rejuvenated before dawdling on with your daily activities. It is better to feel refreshed in your set-up while learning than to be in an atmosphere that’s awkward and distracting.
5. Manage your gadgets for school platforms
Google Classroom, Google Meet, and Messenger are just a few of the many platforms students have to manage and have personal accounts to aid in their online classes. It is important that you are taking notes and are aware of the log-in information, passwords, profiles that you have created to avoid any ‘forgot my password’ situations. Managing the gadgets you use and making sure that they work well is beneficial when taking up classes in a remote learning setting because you rely on them.
As taxing as it seems, it can be unmotivating to be in the situation we are in right now. However, remember the goals you set up for yourself and manage not only your time but also your gadget/s and school platforms to avoid more problems in the future. If it does happen, don’t hesitate to seek help and consideration from your teachers because, like us, they are also part of the new pursuit. We are in the same sea but in different boats which is why when help is a need, ask for it but do it kindly.
As long as you’re able to attend your classes and do your best in learning and in doing your tasks, then don’t beat yourself up and appreciate the efforts you’ve exerted.
6. Develop routines outside of online classes
School and studying aren’t the only things that are important in life. Yes, education is important but educating yourself out of its systematic boundaries can help you develop routines and ease your burn-out. Set a plan and separate your time for online classes and leisure time activities because your mental health, emotional health, and physical health also matter.
Establish a limit and do activities that are not school-related like taking time off to do exercises – dancing, stretching, playing, etc. If you’re stressed out or burnt-out, don’t be afraid to eradicate it by trying on activities you find fun and therapeutic.
7. It’s okay to feel burnt-out – take your time
We’re imperfect and sometimes guides don’t work on you no matter how much time you spend trying to follow them which is why your feelings and health matter more. You don’t have to force yourself into doing things you don’t like or feel uncomfortable with. It’s okay to feel burnt-out, to be helpless, and to welcome exhaustion sometimes. What’s important is you’re holding on and knowing that right now, you may not have the strength to get up, but you will, and when you do, you’ll excel to the best of your abilities.
Just don’t be afraid to talk and tell anyone about your feelings because what’s the point of having your family or your friends in your life if you’re filtering out your authentic feeling from them – someone will always care.
Cry, shout, sleep, detach, do whatever makes you feel comfortable during your burn-out, but also be aware of your situation and the others around you. We all have flaws, but we must realize to ourselves that we matter, and we are great.
Slow progress is better than no progress at all.
Graphics by Amabel Mae Buro
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