Creating a routine can help manage stress levels, form good habits, and improve health. It is crucial to maintain healthy habits and creating a routine can help with just that.  Here are some tips to help establish a routine:

• Wake up, get dressed: Waking up at a regular time each morning can help develop a healthy Circadian Rhythm. Although you may not physically be going to every class, getting dressed is a great way to jump start your day.
• Create a dedicated workspace: Your at home workspace should NOT be your bed. Find a workspace that is located in an environment with the fewest distractions. Keep in mind that a chair and desk with natural light can help optimize your workspace.
• Stay active: Exercise is crucial to sustain a healthy mind and body. It also aids in relieving stress. Even a brisk 20-minute walk each day can help.

Staying organized is the key to success for every semester. Some classes may be in person, others a hybrid style, while others may be completely online, so it is your duty to organize and know when you may be in class or when class is via Zoom or another online delivery.

• Set reminders: You can easily set yourself reminders on your cell phones. When you know you have a Zoom lecture or group meeting coming up, this is the perfect time to give yourself a little reminder.
• Set a schedule: Using a planner either on your laptop, phone, or a notepad can help keep you organized. If you are one who has not used a planner in the past, this year may be the year to start incorporating one to help you stay organized.

Multitasking can present even more stress on your mind and body. You will be more likely to make mistakes, remember less, and spend more time on assignments. Instead, focus on these strategies to help you avoid multitasking.

• Monotasking: This is the concept to focus on one thing at a time.
• The Magic of Monotasking
• Take breaks: Taking breaks between each assignment can help refresh and refocus the mind. Aim for 5- or 10-minute breaks for every 25- or 50-minute periods of work.

Most classes utilize some sort of online component where students are responsible for turning in assignments, watching lectures, or hosting group meetings. Therefore, it is important that every student has access and can become familiar with the platforms they are using. Here is what you will NEED in order to succeed in the virtual classroom.

• Computer: In order to do your work in a remote setting, it is a necessity to have some sort of computer on hand. Contact our office or HuskyTech with any questions.
• Webcam: You will need a webcam if the computer you have now does NOT have a camera already built into it. Most likely, you will be having lectures via Zoom.
  • Be aware of the following regarding the use of webcams:
    1. Headphones: Be aware of unwanted noises that can disrupt lectures. To avoid any unwanted background noise and echoes during video lectures, a set of headphones can fix it. Also, when you are not speaking, simply muting your mic can help eliminate echoing.
    2. Background Setting: Be aware of the setting in which you choose for video lectures. Consider your choice of backgrounds and avoid having any other people in your video to limit distractions.
    3. Clothing: Dress appropriately for video lectures to avoid distractions. Ask yourself if you are wearing appropriate clothing as if you were in a class setting.

• Downloaded Software: You will need specific software in order to complete your classes online. Visit the ITS Software page to get access to the software needed for remote classes.
  
  • Browser (Chrome or Firefox)
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Teams – Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook, Teams
  • Google Hangout/Meet

What works for one person may not necessarily work for someone else. Therefore, you need to be your own advocate and explore different strategies that can help with your success.

• Schedule meetings: Whether it is in person or via Zoom, meeting with classmates regularly can help you towards success in the classroom. Every other student is going the college experience together; therefore, working with one another can help enhance your learning experience.
• Do NOT procrastinate: Don’t wait until the last minute to complete projects. Instead, organize a plan to work on small areas of the project at a time. This will help avoid any last-minute scrambles.
• Set a purpose: Before each meeting even starts, make it a priority for one another to know what exactly each person can and will bring to the table. If you set up a meeting without any intentions, most likely that meeting will be useless, and time will be wasted.

We are all in this journey we call college together. If you are feeling anxious, most likely one of your peers are too. Here are some tips that can help manage some of these feelings.

• Reach out: If you feel stressed it is okay to reach out to faculty and classmates as needed. Explain your situation, thoughts, and feelings. By sharing your current circumstances, faculty members tend to be more understanding and be more than willing to work with you.
• Stay connected: Keeping in contact with close family and friends can help push away any anxiety you may be feeling at the time.
• Just breathe: Engaging in any form of meditation or deep breathing can help sooth the mind and body from any unwanted thoughts or feelings.

There are multiple services on campus that can help support you with anything you may need. There may be times this school year that are stressful but there is always someone on the other end to help.

• Talk to faculty: Faculty members here on campus are always more than willing to help out.
  • Reach out to any of the MSS staff members with questions or concerns you may have.
  • Shawn Kakuk – sakakuk@stcloudstate.edu
  • Angie Witte – alwitte@stcloudstate.edu
  • Shahzad Ahmad – shah@stcloudstate.edu
• Use resources: SCSU offers many different resources to students. Whether you have concerns about your academics or health, there will be someone in that department that you can reach out to for help.