The last few weeks have been a huge adjustment for everyone in the UT community, along with many all over the world. This transition into a fully remote learning environment can be daunting for a lot of us. Here are some tips from Sahar Mithani, MPA Marketing Student Worker and McCombs marketing student, that will hopefully help you adapt and build a new routine as you work from home.

Photo by: Nina Wilder; The Chronicle

Wake up at the same time every day.

If your schedule prior to the adjustment required you to get up at a certain time, make sure you continue waking up at that time. Although this lifestyle change gives you a bit more flexibility, it is crucial that you try to stick to your normal routine as best as you can. This will provide the structure we are all currently lacking, and ensure you are productive throughout the day. If you did not have a set time to wake up before, make one!

Create a morning and night routine.

Continuing with the theme of adding structure, make sure to have a list of things you enjoy doing/want to do when you wake up and before going to bed every day. This will give your mornings and nights more of a purpose, and you won’t be as overwhelmed with this new adjustment. Your mornings can include: working out, eating a healthy breakfast, walking your dog, etc. Your nights can include: reading a book, taking a shower/bath, feeding your creativity, etc. Having some form of a morning and night routine will bring peace in this time of crisis.

Get dressed!

It is very tempting for us to all sit in our pajamas all day as we don’t have anywhere to be. However, this can put you in a very unproductive mindset. Our brains are so easily influenced by our routines and small actions. You might complete a long to-do list for the day, but your mind may not put its 100% into it all if it feels “too comfortable.” By getting ready every morning, even if that means changing into another comfortable outfit, allows your mind to readjust and understand that it is time to work and not relax.

Stick to your regular class schedules.

If some of your professors have transitioned to pre-recorded lectures posted on Canvas rather than live Zoom sessions, try your best to watch those lectures at the same time as you would normally have class. For example, if you typically have an ITAC lecture at 11 a.m. on Monday but you now have the ability to watch each lecture on your own time, still sit down and watch the lecture at 11 a.m. every Monday. This will ensure that you are not falling behind on the material as you are mimicking a regular class schedule, and that you don’t put things off until the last minute. This difficult time calls for a lot of self-discipline, and this is one way you can practice that.

Get outside.

While being as safe as possible, make sure to step outside of your home for at least ten minutes every day. Your body and mind will appreciate the fresh air and the Vitamin D. This can be as simple as sitting on your deck every morning. You can also go for a walk or run! Call/Facetime your friends and take walks together so you are still maintaining some social interactions while giving yourself a well-deserved break outdoors!

I hope these tips help you find a new normal as we all work through this tough time. Adaptability is a very strong skill and this is the perfect time to develop it. Stay safe and healthy, and Hook ‘Em!