Time management is a critical skill in our fast-paced world. For students, the demands of school, social life, family and work obligations all put pressure on their time and schedule. This is now especially true as students find themselves working in virtual environments as the world pushes on in the digital age. But how can a student achieve success in a virtual environment?
Mastering time for success in a virtual environment
Individuals can work, attend school and engage in social activities, all from their favorite spot on their couch, and at the movement of their fingers. Creating boundaries on your schedule, and developing concrete skills to manage time in these various settings requires consistency and discipline, in order to profit from the benefits from participating in these virtual platforms.
This is as real as it gets for students at Global Town School, an entirely personalized, hyper-flexible, and innovative online private school serving students in grades six through 12.
In virtual environments, time management isn’t just about maximizing productivity; it’s also about safeguarding mental well-being and achieving a healthy work-life, or school-life balance.
The following four strategies are vital for individuals to master their time and reach success in a virtual environment.
1.Maintain a consistent schedule
In pre-COVID times, before remote work and online school were as common as today, maintaining a routine was easier when we had to physically commute to work and school, and when our schedules were largely set for us.
As school and work have transitioned to a home environment for some, writing down a set schedule, and planning around that schedule can help individuals prioritize their tasks and obligations.
Keeping to the schedule that you set for yourself will help create predictability in your day, it improves your productivity, and will provide something that holds you accountable to your time.
2.Prioritize
The first day of school can feel like an overwhelming wave of anxiety when looking at the course syllabi and the endless lists of assignments, due dates and deadlines. Organizing those assignments and focusing on one task at a time helps curb that feeling of overwhelm and prioritize efforts.
Moreover, prioritizing mental health is key in ensuring enduring success in a virtual environment. Focusing too much of your time on school or work, without making time for social or family activities can be draining, both physically and mentally, leaving nothing in your reserves.
Focusing on prioritizing your tasks and your time will help to promote long-term motivation and work ethic in virtual settings.
3.Designating a Work Space
In thinking of studying remotely, the visual of working in pajama bottoms with a dress shirt, in our room, with a virtual background comes to mind. As appealing and nice as this sounds, it is not the ideal environment to foster productivity.
Choosing a consistent work space, with minimal distractions, and free from non-essential technology – such as social media and television – will help tremendously when working towards your tasks, assignments and deadlines.
4.Get Outside
Living, working, and studying all in your home can lead to feelings of restlessness and irritability. Dr. Shah of SSM Health said, “Getting out into nature and getting sunlight can help really reset our circadian rhythms for the day which, in fact, can help our overall health.”
In addition to improving your health, getting outside can reset your head and provide the motivation you need to finish your school or work day strong. Making deliberate time in your daily schedule and routine can look like taking a walk outside, eating lunch in your backyard, or even just going for a drive to enjoy the reprieve of sunlight in an environment outside of your usual workspace.
Conclusion
Studying in a virtual environment is alluring and seems to afford individuals many opportunities and added flexibility in their schedules. While there are many benefits and advantages to working and studying online, this comes with necessary added discipline to ensure lasting success in a digital environment.
Following the tips above will help individuals hoping to transition to digital learning reach success in a virtual environment.
