Making the transition to online courses in the middle of the semester can be tough, frustrating, and down-right confusing. Thankfully, there are simple ways to make the most of your semester, limit stress, and ace your classes!

Develop a Positive Mindset

A positive mindset is key to staying motivated, confident in academic abilities, and hopeful for future educational endeavors. Make an effort to redirect negative thoughts that are self-sabotaging and start each day with positive affirmations. By starting your day on a positive note, you will be more likely to be successful, determined, and self-assured.

Stay Organized

The best way to limit stress is to organize all aspects of your current semester and life. Utilize your planner, make a to-do list, or fill out a calendar you can frequently refer to. By mapping out the semester, you will be better prepared to strategically approach your assignments. Also, having an area in your home dedicated to your course work and supplies will aid in keeping everything prepared.

Establish a Routine

Just because you are now attending school online does not mean that a routine is unnecessary. In reality, it is more important than ever to have a sense of structure in your day. It is easy to lose track of time, become distracted, and fail to complete assignments by their assigned due date. In order to maintain a sense of normalcy, define what you want an average day to look like. Something as simple as setting a time to wake-up or engage in physical activity is helpful.

Set Personal Goals

Although your plans may have been ruined or events may have been rescheduled for a later date, you still have the opportunity to set goals for now. A recognition of personal achievement can serve as a motivating factor and a method for measuring your progress. Start simple: establish 1 short-term goal, 3 long-term goals, and a goal centered on your personal happiness.

Eliminate Distractions

Students tend to focus better and be more productive when they are not experiencing frequent distractions. Limit distractions by putting your phone away, working in a quiet place away from others, and being prepared beforehand. The less you are distracted, the faster you will finish your schoolwork, and the sooner you will be able to do activities you enjoy!

Take Advantage of Resources

Most universities have provided additional resources, expanded tutoring hours, and lenient policies to ensure their students' success. If you do not understand a concept in a course or need extra help to complete an assignment, make use of the resources your school has provided. It is better to reach out to teachers, advisors, and peers, rather than stay silent in confusion. The extra help will be more than worth it!

Make Time for Active Breaks

It is not realistic for you to stay focused all day, every day on schoolwork. After each assignment, every two hours, or whatever works best for you, set aside time to get moving and recharge your energy. This will ultimately increase your focus, prevent burnout, and provide variation in your routine. Going on a walk, doing a home workout, and making time for yoga are perfect ways to give yourself a well-deserved break.