The worst transition of 2020 has been the attempts at surviving Zoom school. Zoom school is any form of virtual learning that schools have had to try out to keep kids safe from COVID-19. Even us medical students are in Zoom school and it has been anything but a smooth transition. I’ve never been in medical school before. I can’t imagine that the way I’m doing it right now is anywhere close to normal. Even our orientation and white coat ceremonies were thrown off because of COVID-19.
But, regardless of how unideal this situation is, it is our reality. We can spend forever complaining about it. Or, we can learn how to adapt. Here is a list of 10 Great Tips for Surviving Zoom School that have helped me transition. I hope some of these tips help you too, and that you share them with anyone else panicking about surviving Zoom School.
1. Designate a workout area, outside of your bedroom if possible
The desire to sit in the bed and listen to your teachers or professors drone on is almost too much to bear. But listen, you’re not going to be nearly as productive in bed as you will be at a desk. Working in your bed actually has quite a few adverse effects. So it is important that you designate an area of your house to work.
If you have an office space that you can use, then try that. However, if you don’t have an office or desk, the dining table may be the next best option. Somewhere with a flat surface and a chair is going to be your best bet. You can spread everything out, be in a comfortable, productive position, and establish that as your work area. That way, mentally, when you sit there, you know it’s time to get work done. You associate your bedroom with sleep and relaxation. That’s part of the reason you don’t work very well in there. Associate another place in your home with homework and school work, and watch your productivity levels change.
2. Make a daily schedule for Zoom school
When you think of Zoom school, you may think that means you can do your work whenever. Wake up at 12, hop online at 2 and work on your own schedule. That may work for you. But it may also be detrimental. It’s important to set up a schedule that works for you and that you can follow every day.
When you’re at school or have classes, you have a schedule. Classes are at the same time everyday. You have to keep up this same routine so you can avoid slipping behind and keep the procrastination monster from hopping on your back. If your classes are asynchronous (pre-recorded) then this tip is especially for you. Choose a time every day to watch videos, work on homework for certain classes, and a time to be done. End your work day so you don’t risk burning out from feeling overwhelmed be never-ending work.
3. Surviving Zoom school means staying ahead
The key to surviving Zoom school is staying ahead so you don’t have to play catch up. It’s so easy to fall between the cracks because for some reason, Zoom school seems to have more work than in the classrooms. One reason for this is that normally, teachers make lesson plans and as a class, you work through them. By the end of quarters and school years, whatever you got through is what you got through.
Zoom school is different because teachers can give you everything and expect you to move at your own pace. This can be super overwhelming, especially if you can’t keep up with the work. Do your best to plan out your schedule and how long it will take you to get all of that work done. If you find yourself falling behind, take some extra time to get caught up, and then ahead if you can. The good thing about Zoom school, is sometimes they give you all your work at once so you can work through it at your own pace. If you work on it as soon as it’s available, then this may help you avoid falling behind.
4. Take Brain Breaks
Brain Breaks are my favorite things. I have a whole blog post on them and hope to release Brain Break materials. They are so fun and so important to keep your mind engaged. The average brain can stay engaged for about 40 minutes. So sitting in front of a computer for 8 hours straight is just not feasible or realistic.
So, to break up that time, you have to use some sort of device to distract your brain, so it can come back for another 40 minutes. This is where Brain Breaks come in. I have some fun ones, or you can also check my Pinterest board from some other inspirations. If you have any fun options, then please leave them in the comments. Most of the options on the internet are for kids like adults don’t need Brain Breaks too?? So please, let me know, and I will add them to another resource.
5. Go outside and get some fresh air
Zoom school keeps us inside, sometimes all day. At least when you’re in school, you either have recess or have to walk in between class buildings. Even if you’re inside one building all day, you had to go outside to leave your home and then again to leave the building. Zoom school accidentally traps you inside all day. Use one of your breaks and go get some Vitamin-D. That sunlight does wonders for your energy levels and you also won’t feel trapped by your house.
6. Find ways to sneak in being active
I don’t know about y’all, but quarantine has helped pack on the LBs. Sitting all day and not having the normal movement of going to and from work, going to the bathroom, going up and down stairs can lead to the nice little bike tire around your waist. Ouch. But, it’s okay, these pounds are not forever. You just have to get a little creative about how you go about avoiding their collection due to your new sedentary lifestyle.
Do some exercises in between classes, or during one of your transitions. If you have a class that you can walk around and listen to, then plug in your headphones and head out the door. Do something that you aren’t just sitting around for 16 hours everyday. Before you know it, the weight you kept off just from walking around during the day will find its way to your waistline.
7. Use supplementary resources
The most challenging part of surviving Zoom school has been not being able to ask all the questions I need. If I’m not understanding something, I’m not in a classroom setting where I can ask questions. Professors can’t read the room and see that the class is sitting their puzzled.
Therefore, you are responsible for your own learning. Use a variety of resources to help you understand what’s going on. I hop on YouTube every time my readings or PowerPoints make zero sense. Khan Academy is another favorite of me. There are so many resources out there, and sure, it may take extra time. But if it means you do well in school, then it’s worth it.
8. Collaborate with classmates that are also surviving zoom school
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. You are not the only one that is struggling surviving Zoom school. You will have several classmates that also are trying to figure things out. Use them. Everyone has different strengths and things they comprehend better than others. This is an advantage. A major advantage. Just set up a Zoom call or study session with them. They will amaze you with all of their knowledge. Besides, the best way to prove mastery is being able to teach someone else.
9. Do some stretches and yoga to combat that Zoom school posture
Zoom school is destroying your posture. Sitting in a chair all day looking down at a computer is doing some serious damage to your neck, shoulders, and spine. Help reduce the chance of significant deformities by doing some yoga or stretches. They definitely help me feel better. Sitting like that all day hurts and it isn’t comfortable. You have to go out and find ways to help yourself out.
10. Consider blue light glasses
You have probably seen lots of commercials or ads for blue light glasses. What are they? Glasses that look like reading glasses, but they are able to block the blue lights that come from your computer. They are supposed to help with headaches and other discomforts from staring at screens all day. There is conflicting evidence on their efficacy but I really like mine. I don’t wear them as often as I should, but they definitely make me feel more productive. You can find some really cheap ones on Amazon so you can try them out without breaking the bank. Consider these if you have bad headaches or your eyes hurt from all of your online classes.
These are my 10 Tips for Surviving Zoom School. I hope you found something in here that helps you. If you have any tips, then please drop them in the comments and let me know so I can add them for readers!
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