10 Tips to Lock In as an Online Student
By Brooklyn C.
Tips Word and Idea by patpitchaya from Getty Images Created in Canva
I can recall an incredible number of times in the past where my list of assignments was longer than Terms and Conditions. I wish I could say I put my head down and got it done, but oftentimes I ended up completing tasks that were the opposite of a priority. For instance, I may have reorganized my shirts into color-coded order instead of writing the outline of the essay I needed to submit in two days. During my time at NSA, I have developed some strategies to help overcome procrastination. Here are a few that might help you, too.
1. Power off your phone and put it out of sight. Placing my phone somewhere I cannot see it causes me to forget about it, and I become less inclined to pick it up. Powering off my phone makes it just a bit harder to access even when I remember it exists. This minor inconvenience reduces my desire to turn it on and, consequently, reduces the time I waste on my phone.
2. Limit distractions on your screen. This is self-explanatory, but it is also important. I like to close all tabs I am not currently using or to group them out of sight. If I think of something that I need to get done while I am working, I write it down on a sticky note to come back to later.
3. Set timers for everything. I like to set a thirty-minute timer and work on a specific assignment for exactly that amount of time with no distractions. Twenty to forty-five minutes works too; it just depends on the person and the task at hand.
4. Set time limits for the school day. I tend to either underwork or overwork when it comes to school. Telling myself, “I can only do school work from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,” helps me make the most of my time without assignments bleeding into the rest of my day. Additionally, this type of block system reduces stress. I no longer have the option of doing school at night or worrying about finishing tasks “sometime later.”
5. Get ready for the day. Yes, pajamas are a gift from God, but wearing them while you work can also negatively impact performance. I work better when I have specific outfits (or even hairstyles) associated with specific events. It might sound crazy, but the routine of just putting on a jacket when you sit at your desk can change the trajectory of your school day.
6. Start with your hardest task. When I start the day with the classes I am the least enthusiastic to work on, it sparks a sense of accomplishment earlier in the day and boosts my motivation for the rest of the assignments I need to finish. I often use this tool outside school as well. For instance, finishing my run in the morning removes the “When will you get your run in?” replaying in the back of my mind.
7. Talk to yourself. It sounds strange, but sometimes you need all the help you can get. If you realize you have read the same paragraph three times and understood less than a word, try reading it aloud. You can also speak to yourself as you solve equations. This keeps you focused, as well as allows you to catch mistakes that you may have otherwise skimmed over. I have to say, it is not the smoothest tool for libraries.
8. Set aside a day for studying. Although this tip is niche, I decided to include it because of how well it works for me. My family (and past Nav articles) will tell you the value I place on going to cafés on Thursdays. I operate far more efficiently when I get out of the house every now and then, plus my Thursdays are usually free (no youth group, long runs, or school calls). By blocking out this day, I give myself time to fully commit to school.
9. Make time to get outside. Every self-help book will offer the same advice. I find walks to be the best way to do this, but playing sports, biking, or simply sitting outside can work wonders when it comes to your focus levels. Need a brain break? Step outside for fifteen minutes and watch your concentration come back with the breeze.
10. Figure out why you cannot focus. Maybe the most effective way to improve your focus is to understand why you are distracted. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to take some time off. If you are tired, you should take a nap. If you are hungry, you should make some food. Use your time well and the focus will come naturally.
Bonus tip: Pray. Take a moment to breathe and ask the Lord to help you put the right things first. The entirety of Psalm 55 speaks to this, but verse 22 in particular says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (“Psalm 55 NIV - Bible Gateway”).
Columns: 🗣️Advice, 🧑🚀NSA Culture
Brooklyn C. is in twelfth grade and has been with NSA for four years. She spends her free time painting and drawing, in hopes of pursuing a career in children's book illustration. She also enjoys running, going on walks, listening to music, studying, watching movies, reading and travelling.