As we enter the 2nd semester of distance learning, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and uninterested in school. Luckily, there are a few ways that you can stay alert on Zoom and finish classwork on time. Here are 5 of the best ways to stay on top of school in the new year:

Stay Active: Staying active is one of the simplest ways to improve concentration. According to Mayo Clinic, it stimulates regions in the brain that are responsible for memory. Exercising helps you stay motivated and improves your mood, which is crucial for enduring the hardships and tediousness of online school.

Take Breaks: Working for long periods of time causes fatigue, which in turn causes procrastination. By taking short 5 minute breaks, our brain is refreshed and stops burn out. This can help us increase cognition and retain the information we have learned. Short breaks can also help reduce stress and make the work you are doing more meaningful.

Eat Healthy Snacks: What we put into our body shapes the way our brains function. Sugary and highly-processed foods make us feel jittery and restless which negatively affects the brain’s ability to concentrate. Eating regularly helps our brains stay nourished and energized. Foods like bananas, oatmeal, and dark chocolate are some healthy snacks that help get us through the day energized.

Get Out of Pajamas: Wearing pajamas throughout the day seems like the only upside of online school. However, it is actually detrimental to learning. Wearing a fresh pair of clothes helps us feel more confident and ready to face the day’s challenges. Changing helps set a productive mindset and routine and gets you into the feel of school.

Be Positive: Although the world looks bleak right now, it’s crucial to stay positive. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. You are affected by your thoughts, and focusing on the negative aspects of our surroundings is very draining and makes it difficult to get stuff done. By focusing on the positives of life, you are training your mind to not give up and to stay focused on the tasks at hand.