Tips to Stay Sharp

Maisie Luad - Campus Rec cycling instructor, comedian, pre-med student, and all around great person - offers her insight on staying sharp during tough times. Read on for her first hand account of ways she approaches the day, stays on task, and makes the most of each day.

It is no secret that distance-learning and the switch to online classes has thrown a wrench into the collective human routine. Just when I started to practice very strong study habits on a routine basis, the rug was tugged out from under my newly planted feet. Quarantine is hard and sticking to a constructive and productive routine is even more challenging. The following aspects of my day have really helped me keep my head above water amongst the chaos.

Wake Up & Stay Awake. My news years goal was to wake up earlier on week days. Since January, I've been on the early-risers train and found great success. Some CEOs rise at 4am to start their days, indicating that they owe some of their success to their morning routines. My early morning starts at 6:00am or so. I spend my morning time away from my phone, sipping coffee, journaling, reading, or stretching. If you don't already have a morning routine, I highly recommend setting aside some time in the morning before you start to interact with the world. Use this time to make breakfast, get in touch with your body, journal, read, practice mindfulness, or whatever will bring you some peace. Key tip: put your phone far away from your bed at night. When your alarm goes off in the morning, you'll be forced to get out of bed to turn off the alarm. From here go straight to the bathroom to wash your face and brush your teeth. Get the blood flowing and don't get back in bed. Just try it.
Wash your face, brush your teeth. These basic hygiene steps require little effort but when you are cozy in bed they can feel like a herculean feat. It is so easy to stay in your pajamas and just wait until you shower later on in the day to wash up. Plot twist: you can shower however much and however often you want. Today, I took a shower and put work-out clothes on directly afterwards in anticipation of a work out later on because I'm allowed to shower more than once! 😀
Protein + Water. I cannot stress these two things enough! When you are on your computer for hours on end with distance-learning, it is very easy to get a headache. Give your brain everything it needs to function well. I've put a timer on my phone every 60-90 minutes to grab some water and something with protein in it – some days it is a fried egg, others is a spoonful of peanut butter! While you've got the timer on, take a moment to be mindful and present – just a minute or two, to bring your feet back down to earth!
Schedule. Take a day or two to see what kind of schedule works for you. It took me a few days to realize that my most productive time was in the morning so this meant after my morning routine and some breakfast, it is off to homework-land until 12:30pm or so. Then I'll have lunch and re-visit my to-do list. Do I get side tracked? Of course. Sometimes I feel the absolutely need to work-out and move around after a few hours at my desk. The point is, try to stay loosely to a schedule. Also, be compassionate with yourself if you wander off into the whacky corners of the internet – there is always a time and a place for a break!
Move. Even if it's just for a minute. Put on your favorite playlist and dance around. Dancing can really improve your mood and help you break a quick sweat. Check on YouTube for a quick 15 minute Vinyasa flow. Some wisdom I've heard about working out: "The Best Work Out is the One That You Do". That means it doesn't matter if it's a 1 hour body pump class, 20 minutes on your stationary bike, or a 1 song dance to Bruno Mars – the best work out is the one that you do.
Office. Creating a space that feels conducive to working is imperative. If you don't have a desk, try a kitchen table or a raised laptop stand on your bed. Personally, I love school supplies. A good study space for me includes my favorite kinds of pens, paperclips, and stickies. If it helps you achieve your goals, give it a shot! I can't be the only one who loves school supplies.
Manifest. Envision your best possible day. It sounds corny but it gives you the opportunity to predict your success. If you approach your day with a sense of dread or the feeling of being totally overwhelmed, you are more likely to give into that mentality. Try waking up and envisioning getting everything done – truly picture yourself closing the text book after reviewing the chapter you set out to review. Give yourself a logical and attainable goal and reward yourself afterwards with a good book or the next episode of the show you've been watching. Envisioning that I will accomplish my goals has truly helped me stick to the routine and not get burnt out.
Be Compassionate: Dr. Shauna Shapiro has a wonderful way of encapsulating the difference between self-esteem and self-compassion. Self-esteem is rooted in accomplishment and success but self-compassion is a deep sense of worthiness no matter what. Is it wise to have final exam grade goals? Of course! But know that you are worthy of so much more beyond a letter or a number grade. Self-compassion is important and can be a powerful ally no matter the circumstances. Self-esteem is a fair-weather friend that flees when the going gets tough. Self-compassion is there for you always.

Thanks Maisie for these great ideas.
All the best, Catamounts!

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