With schools closing, communities encouraged to stay home, and new information that pours in all-day, everyday life is changing drastically for people worldwide, including the students of District 117. eLearning´s debut has introduced a new life at home for students, and it comes with all sorts of reactions. Some find themselves thriving during this time with unlimited small breaks, decreased anxiety, and a spike in feeling productive. Others can feel completely different, a shortage of productivity and lack of comfort in the strange new waters. The decrease in social interaction can feel jarring, as though a vital part of thier day to day life has been ripped away. If you find yourself lost in this new territory, there are many ways and actions you can take to optimize the time you have.

It may seem much cozier to stay in pajamas all day, but the importance of keeping routine has been stressed by many professionals including the director of the Family Stress Clinic, Claudia W. Allen. Setting your alarm for an acceptable time, showering, eating breakfast, and getting dressed in the morning are all extremely important in the upkeep of one’s physical and mental health. Doing your eLearning tasks in order of how you would on a normal school day is another way to keep your routine and hold yourself accountable. Going throughout your day, starting with first period and ending with eighth, can help you organize what might feel overwhelming. 

Lack of schedule and not enough to do rarely lead to anything positive. Plan out your extra time and be conscious of not allowing yourself to simply drift through the day. Whether it be calling a friend, cooking, baking, or teaching yourself something new, having something to do can give you a sense of self-created regulation. Plan to watch a movie at a certain time, create something you can look forward to. Remember to go outside and breathe in the fresh air; sunlight and being around trees can both benefit mood.