How to Beat Burnout and Stay Focused During Online Classes
Let’s face it, online classes can feel like a grind. There were days when I’d stare at my screen, willing myself to pay attention, only to find my mind wandering. If you’ve been there, you know how burnout sneaks in and how hard it can be to stay focused. Over time, I’ve picked up a few tricks that have kept me going, and I’m sharing them here to help you do the same.
Recognise the Signs of Burnout
I remember one time when I just couldn’t focus. It was like my brain was on a permanent coffee break. The more I pushed, the harder it became to concentrate.
Burnout can feel like constant exhaustion or like every task is a mountain. You might notice you’re procrastinating more or feeling unusually irritable. If that sounds familiar, the first step is to pause and acknowledge it. When I hit that wall, I learned to listen to my body—it’s usually begging for rest.
Create a Distraction-Free Study Environment
My biggest game-changer? Setting up a study corner in my bedroom. I added a little desk, my favourite motivational quote on the wall, and a plant (because apparently, plants make us 15% more productive, science says so).
But let me be real, keeping distractions out is hard. If you have roommates or family members around, I get it. Try using noise-cancelling headphones or even playing instrumental music to drown out the chaos. And please, for your sanity, put your phone in another room. TikTok isn’t going anywhere.
Build a Structured Routine
If you’re anything like me, schedules can feel restrictive at first. But hear me out—structure is freedom. I started with a simple daily to-do list and eventually moved to a calendar app. My favourite trick? Setting alarms for everything, even for breaks.
Here’s what worked for me:
– Morning classes: Get up 30 minutes earlier to plan the day.
– Study time: I blocked off two hours in the afternoon when I knew I was most alert.
– Breaks: Every 50 minutes, I’d get up, stretch, and grab a snack.
Consistency helped me feel in control, especially during hectic weeks.
Practice Active Engagement During Classes
Let’s be honest—zoning out during online classes is way too easy. Once, I spent an entire class “listening” while scrolling through memes. Never again.
Taking notes saved me. I started with bullet points, writing down anything mildly important. If you’re shy about speaking up in live sessions (I definitely was), try typing your questions in the chat. Pro tip: instructors love engagement, even if it’s just, “Could you explain that last part again?”
Avoid Multitasking
I used to pride myself on multitasking until I realised I wasn’t actually getting anything done. One time, I tried listening to a lecture and editing a blog post. The result? I missed half the lecture.
Focus on one thing at a time. Close all those browser tabs (yes, even Spotify). If you’re tempted to check your phone, try apps like Forest or Focus@Will they keep you on track in the most creative ways.
Incorporate Regular Breaks
Burnout loves long, unbroken study sessions. I’ve had days where I studied for hours straight, thinking I was being productive, only to end up drained and grumpy. Enter the Pomodoro Technique, my lifesaver.
Here’s how it works:
- Study for 25 minutes.
- Take a 5-minute break.
- After four sessions, take a longer 20-30 minute break.
During those short breaks, I’d stretch, walk around, or just breathe. It’s wild how much better your brain feels after stepping away, even for a few minutes.
Prioritise Physical and Mental Well-Being
I used to ignore this one. Exercise? Who has time for that? But when I started doing quick yoga sessions (thank you, YouTube), I noticed a huge difference. Even a 10-minute stretch can clear your head.
Food is another biggie. On days when I’d eat junk all day, I felt sluggish. Now I stick to simple meals like oatmeal for breakfast, a chicken salad for lunch, and lots of water. Trust me, your brain will thank you.
Mental health matters, too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try journaling or meditating. Apps like Calm or Insight Timer can guide you, even if you’ve never meditated before.
Stay Connected With Others
Online learning can feel lonely. For months, I barely interacted with my classmates, and it took a toll. Then I joined a virtual study group and other online communities, and wow—it made a world of difference.
If you don’t know where to start, try reaching out in your class forums. “Anyone want to form a study group?” is all it takes. And don’t forget your instructors; they’re there to help, and most are more approachable than they seem.
Celebrate Small Wins
This one’s my favourite. After finishing a tough assignment, I’d treat myself—sometimes with a Netflix binge, with a chocolate bar (or three). Celebrating wins, big or small, kept me motivated.
You could try tracking your achievements with a journal or app. Seeing all the progress you’ve made is a great reminder of why you started in the first place.
Conclusion
Look, online learning isn’t easy. But with the right strategies, you can beat burnout, stay focused, and even enjoy the process. Start small, experiment with what works for you, and remember: you’ve got this.
Now, go crush those online classes! And don’t forget to take a break you’ve earned it.
