Online learning has been a struggle. From the excruciatingly long zoom lessons, to the sudden overload of online work, everybody was especially ready for Winter Break. But, now the long stretch towards Spring Break looms, and students lack motivation.

Online learning has provided students with a whole new set of challenges. Now things like our phones, Netflix, sleep, and other oddities which normally didn’t pose as deterrents from our work are now leaning us off course.

But it’s not just distractions affecting us, it’s also the never ending loop of wake up, zoom, homework, sleep, repeat. With no friends to talk away our troubles, no awesome substitutes, isolation during this school year has really been a huge factor in the degrading of students. School is hard and we have to deal with it. That doesn’t make it any easier. Being productive is really difficult when you could just sleep instead. Here are 10 ways to boost your productivity:

1. Set controls on your phone (time limits) and give the password to someone else.
2. Try tackling your homework/classwork before lunch.
3. Take a walk outside, touch some grass- being inside all day is super detrimental to your mental health.
4. Go for a run! Running releases endorphins which make you happier, energetic, and awake. When your running leptin levels fall which can generate the rewarding feeling that you feel during exercise.
5. Create a schedule that you will follow day to day.
6. Try saying “will I do this?” instead of “I will.” You are more likely to complete your task that way.
7. Try different studying methods (Pomodoro technique, etc.)
8. Make a to do list of smaller, manageable tasks; crossing things off feels good!
9. Focus on one thing at a time. If you have 18 missing assignments, start at the bottom and work your way up. Do two everyday. 
10. Be accountable to another person (parent, friend, etc.) Checking in with someone else will help you complete your tasks and work faster.

Even though online learning is difficult, and it feels like it’s dragging on forever, don’t be discouraged. You may think you’re the only one but everyone else is feeling like this too. Everyone will have missing assignments at one point or the next. Try your best to be productive today!