As the sun set on what had been a beautiful Sunday, students anxiously await the change that will come with tomorrow. Starting tomorrow, Holt is virtual and students are confined to their homes and will undergo their studies there. This may seem like a momentus undertaking born of only stress and anxiety, much like how spring of 2020 had been. Teachers have assured students that it will nothing like what had spring had been, but we won’t know until the first few days to a week are over. It is ok to be stressed, worried, anxious, etc when rolling these ideas around in your head, but you need to remember all will eventually be ok and ironed out. However, I am here to offer 8 steps that will assist in making this process as smooth as possible for you.

1.) Have a schedule

This is very important to have. It will keep everything organized and reduce the amount of stress you may be experiencing. Write down the hours that you will have each day as well as the times. Also make a spot where you can list the assignments you are assigned in particular classes to help keep track of everything. Some teachers have made a digital schedule for you to use and I would suggest you take advantage of it. And if you don’t already have one, a planner would come in handy here. Also, have your meeting codes written down somewhere in case you forget them.

2.) Pick a quiet, comfortable spot to work

Yes, I know this might be difficult, especially for those in a larger family. But it can be done to an extent. I suggest picking somewhere that’s comfortable, but won’t cause you to fall asleep. I suggest also changing it up. Maybe be in your room one day and outside (if the weather cooperates) the next day. Pick a spot that will result in you being productive, as in this situation, is important.

3.) Take breaks 

When an opportunity allows, get up and walk around a little bit. It can be around your room or once around your court if you live in a subdivision. If you live an apartment, maybe go up and down a flight of stairs once or twice. However you go about it, movement is good for you and will shake off any falling asleep limbs. Also drink some water and maybe get a snack if you’re a little hungry.

4.) Don’t procrastinate

As easy as it may be to, this is not the time to do so. You need to keep on top of things as much as you can, so you don’t fall behind. It may be tough to not put something off for your “future self”, but if you have time to get a little bit ahead, do it. It will help your “future self” by not overloading them. Remember you don’t know what curveballs will be thrown or homeruns you will hit tomorrow, but you know today.

5.) Communicate

Communication is very important during this time. If you’re struggling with something or are confused with something academic related, communicate with your teachers. They are there to help you and you are probably not the only one experiencing that problem. It is also important to keep in contact with friends. Everyone will feel isolated from each other and probably lonely, even the introverts. Having a friend to talk to during this time will keep your spirits up and reduce the cloud of negativity that may be looming overhead.

6.) Get plenty of sleep

Sleep is important, as I’m sure most of you are aware. Sleep, particularly REM (the deepest point of sleep in the 5 stages, where we dream), is where we do the most healing, growth, restoration and filing away of the memories of the day, and renewing of our creative thinking. It is as vital to our health as water and food are. The average adult needs around 7-9 hours of sleep. Any less than that for an extended period of time can cause damage and increase the risk of disorders. I know school and other activities often keep you from achieving these 7-9 hours, but it’s important to mind your health. Living on caffeine is not good for you.

7.) Eat a good breakfast

Eating breakfast will start your metabolism and feed your brain, especially if it’s more on the healthful side. I would suggest something high in protein, like eggs or sausage. Fruit is an excellent accompanying choice too. Carbs are a good idea too. They will give you a boost of short term energy. Protein will give you a long term boost of energy and prevent you, if you’re like me, from getting a headache. Maybe use this time at home to experiment with meals that maybe you wouldn’t normally eat or didn’t previously have time to make. Be adventurous with it.

8.) Be kind with Yourself

Life is hard right now and it’s ok to feel stressed and anxious. Even angry. This is completely normal and you shouldn’t put yourself down for feeling such negative emotions. Everyone feels the exact same way you do. Just don’t let it consume you. It’s ok to soak your feet in it or even float in it, but don’t drown in it. Letting yourself completely succumb to negativity isn’t healthy and can make it even harder to pull yourself out of the darkness. Give yourself a quiet moment, just you and your thoughts. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Try to make your mind as blank as possible or relax/find comfort in the noise of your mind. Listen to music if it helps. For some reason, listening to Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns ‘N Roses quiets my mind, so find that song that does it for you. Then just exist for a few minutes. And once the timer is up, go back to work.

Of course, you needn’t follow these steps. It is entirely up to you if you do so or not. I merely aim to assist however I can. I hope you all have a great “1st day” of school. Keep it up, Holt. We’ve got this. It may be stressful, it may be tough, but we’re strong and fierce. It will be a learning experience, but we are all in this together. We’ve got this.