Studying from the comfort of your own home sounds like a good idea… until you find yourself out of study snacks and hours-deep in your favorite Netflix series. If you keep losing motivation to study during COVID-19, the last thing you should do is beat yourself up about it. Studying remotely amidst a pandemic isn’t what you or anyone had anticipated for your last year of high school. To help you remain on-task while in isolation, here are four tips to follow while studying in isolation.
1. Get One-On-One Support From Your Online Tutor
An important aspect of classroom learning that students miss at home is the opportunity for support from teachers. This is why having regular online tutoring sessions is an invaluable asset to your study schedule in isolation. Your tutor will be able to help you with your VCE exam preparation and can even help you work out an optimal study routine. You also won’t have to face delays in your sessions or struggles to gain your tutor’s attention as you would in online classes with other students.
2. Create Your Own Study Space
Unless you have the focus of a master meditator, studying in a communal space will almost always lead to distraction. While it may feel like your family, guardians, or housemates aren’t taking your education seriously, you shouldn’t allow yourself to get immersed in frustration. It’s their home too, and perhaps they don’t understand what happens when they disrupt your state of flow.
By setting up your own designated study space in your bedroom, an office, or any other quiet area of your home, you can achieve that extra level of peace and. Make sure you keep your space clean and clear so you are not distracted by clutter!
3. Set Clear Boundaries With Family or Housemates
Sometimes, creating a new study space is not enough for other members of the household to get the memo. Try not to get too mad at family or housemates for wanting to interact or spend time with you while you’re at home – causing tension is not going to help your mental health at this time. Instead, open up a discussion about boundaries and the need for space during your study time.
Be blunt and honest about your study schedule and let them know that you are not to be contacted during this time. The same goes with friends making calls or sending messages via social media. You can combat this easily by setting your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ when you’re working.
4. Avoid Background Music or Television
There’s nothing wrong with having some music or sounds playing in the background for ambiance. In fact, some studies link listening to study music to higher test scores! The problem is if your background noise ends up gaining more of your attention than your work does. You know it’s true for you if you keep singing along to your favorite tunes, taking moments to belt out those beautiful choruses, reorganize your playlist, or rewatch your favorite scenes of a series.
If studying in silence isn’t your thing, choose pre-made playlists instead of making your own on the spot, with music that you cannot sing along to like classical or instrumental music, lo-fi beats (some made for studying), or songs in languages you cannot speak!
The VCE is hard enough as it is, so above all else, try to maintain as much normalcy as you can in these times. Stick to your regular school and study hours, don’t forget to take breaks and exercise, and get good quality sleep. You’ve got this!
