Many schools will be returning back to an online system… So why not make the best of this time and be as productive as possible?

Here are my top ways to stay productive and focused during online school:

1. Treat your classes as if you were doing them in-person

The biggest mistake an individual can make is not taking classes seriously. By keeping the mindset that you would in normal school, you can keep yourself focused and attentive during classes. This is a key part to do well in an online format. It is incredibly easy to lose sight of your goals and deadlines, so treat school as if you were going in person.

2. Set up an organized and quiet study space

That being said, setting an organized and quiet study space is crucial. Sitting on your bed or on the kitchen table will likely cause you to be distracted. To combat this, try to use a desk that is in a place in your home where you won’t be bothered by parents or siblings. Make sure that it is as organized as can be in order to limit distractions. On your desk, include everything you might need while doing homework or in zoom classes.

3. Manage your time

In order to do well in school, it is very important to manage your time. Using the Pomodoro method or other time-management methods are the best for staying productive. Specifically, setting a goal for what you want to complete during a study session is especially helpful for staying focused.

4. Have dedicated study times

One of the many challenges of online learning is being able to manage studying. I would recommend setting aside certain times during the day to watch lectures, take notes, and complete homework. These times should be dedicated only to school. This should keep you focused when you’re studying, but also give you the chance to have free time.

5. Take good notes

It is challenging to stay focused during zoom classes, but, in order to stay focused, try to draw your attention to taking notes. This should keep your hands and brain busy so that you are completely focused on your schoolwork.

6. Choose the right music

The factor that can make or break a study session is the music you choose. Something with a good beat can make you lose focus, or something with good lyrics might just make you more focused on singing than on getting work done (that’s totally not what I do 😉  ) Try to listen to lofi beats; something that has a nice beat and few lyrics.

7. Put your phone away

It is very easy to get distracted by your phone during boring meetings or while doing homework. My solution: put your phone at least 5 steps away from where you are sitting. This makes it so that it requires an effort for you to reach it, making you less likely to actually use it.

8. Schedule time away from the screen

It can be hard to spend the majority of your day looking at the screen, so make sure to find time away from homework. Try to get fresh air (maybe not right now since it is snowing) and spend time outdoors. Maybe schedule a weekend spa day at your home to find time to unwind and relax.

9. Connect with others

A big part of school is seeing your friends, so it is crucial to keep in contact with others. This can be done through a zoom meeting or maybe playing video games together.

10. Track your deadlines

Keeping track of deadlines is arguably the most important. In addition to this, set goals for yourself and overall, make sure you have the tools you need to be productive. If you want to learn about some good planner systems such as Notion or Google Calendar, check out my article on my Top 5 Planner Systems in 2021. 

Hope you enjoyed this article! If you ever want to chat with someone about online school (I have lots of experience), feel free to email be at: bhargava.aarushi@gmail.com