In the current pandemic situation, when we are isolated in our homes, it is natural to feel depressed and laid back. Students find it all the more difficult to concentrate on studies and stay motivated for the exams in this homebound situation. Therefore, in order to focus on exams, where home study or online study is the only option, it is imperative to adjust to the new normal. But how? Here are some tips and suggestions for the students:

Find and clean your study space – If you already have a dedicated study area at your home, well and good. If you don’t have any, find one and keep it clean, organised and clutter-free, so that you always feel fresh when you sit to study. You can even decorate it a bit with fresh flowers or make it glitter with starry stickers etc., as long as it doesn’t cause too much distraction.

Schedule your study time – It might be difficult to study with focus and ignore distractions with all family members present at home. Choose a time when it's most quiet at home, when there is no chance of listening to what others are talking or when there is no TV time in the family. That’s the best when you can study with focus. Also don’t schedule your study hours that clash with the time that makes you feel sleepy.

Reward yourself – When you’ve achieved your study goal, always reward yourself. This is the easiest way to stay motivated while being confined at home. Consider binge watching your favourite TV series or give yourself treats like Ice-creams and cool shakes or anything that you like to do.

Stay connected with your friends – Technology is sure to sound as one of the greatest gifts to humanity in this pandemic time. Had we not had mobile phones and laptops, it would have been so difficult to stay connected with our friends and also study so with ease, through applications like Zoom, Google Meet etc. Thanks to the technological advances in the world, that education has not stopped even in the times of Covid-19 pandemic. So, make use of this boon on humanity and stay connected with your friends to talk, to discuss, to study together online. It is another best way not to feel isolated and alone. Get used to online group study.

Meditation and Physical Exercise – Along with all your realistic study goals, exam pressure and low feelings during the pandemic, meditation and physical exercise must be an important part of your daily routine. Meditation helps in keeping up the concentration levels as you get quiet and relaxed from inside. And physical exercise rejuvenates your body and keeps stress levels in check.

Sleep Well – While there is plenty of time to sleep now when we are at home all the time, sometimes we might tend to be lazy and spend more time in leisure activities during the day and end up studying late night. Students usually give this excuse of choosing late night hours to study as it is the quietest time at home, when everyone is sleeping and they can concentrate better. Agreed, but choosing odd hours to study during exam time can disturb the daily routine and can also impact health. So, it is important to strike a balance between study hours and sleep (sleeping at the right time in the right amount).

Avoid Social Media – It's hard to stay away from social media and not be active on Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp etc. But it is important to cut down your activities on social media platforms and stay less distracted. If not avoid, at least refrain from social media, especially in this exam season during pandemic.

As we all continue to adapt to the current circumstances in the pandemic times, it is crucial for students to supplement their efforts to focus on exams not only with positivity, healthy diet and nutrition, exercise etc. but also with little amusements like dance and music at home to break the boredom. Don’t Stress, Do Your Best, Forget the Rest.