It is an adjustment for everyone to move legal education online. Neither professors nor students ever thought law school would have to be so flexible so quickly, but here we are. Whether you are attending remotely or are on campus, Zoom has an ongoing presence in our lives now. Zoom fatigue is real, especially in the rigorous environment that is law school.
For 1Ls, check out this ABA article for tips in succeeding in 1L year while attending remote or hybrid classes.
The good news is we can wear our pajamas more. The bad news is that we have less social interaction, and we are seeing too much of our couches and computers.
Critical to the success of virtual learning and navigating this new normal is taking care of yourself. This looks different for everyone; only you know yourself. But I’ve compiled a list of suggested best practices for attending classes via Zoom and online learning generally that can help us get more comfortable in our new routine.
- Get into a Routine
Whether that routine is waking up at the same time every day or drinking two water bottles full of water before dinner, set a routine. Establishing habits for yourself during this time of extended periods at home can help break up the day and keep you going.
I find that around 2:00 PM every day, I start to get tired. I usually use this time to take my dog outside for a walk, get some fresh air, and spend some time away from my desk. This helps me stay energized and motivated to get my work done. When I come back from the walk, I’m usually read to get back to work.
- Give Some Respect
It can be hard to wake up for a 9:00 AM class and turn your video on. But if you’re in a situation where you feel comfortable, turning your video on can show that you are engaging with the professor and make your professor feel more comfortable teaching in this new environment. We all miss being in the classroom. But turning on your video can help facilitate the same type of interactions.
That said, it is also important to acknowledge that not everyone is in a situation where turning on their video is feasible. Children and pets may run around in the background. Family may call during class time. During a time where things change rapidly, it is also important to show respect when someone keeps their video off. Just like in regular interactions, you never know what someone is going through. So if someone is engaging in the chat more than unmuting themselves, speak up and ask their question if the professor misses it. We’re in this together and that includes our virtual interactions.
- Blue Light Glasses
These three words mean so much. Blue. Light. Glasses. You can get a 2-pack on Amazon for $23. I use these every time I’m on a Zoom call or spending time reading on my phone or laptop. When classes first went virtual, I was getting constant headaches from looking at my screen so much. These have really been amazing. (Experiences may vary, but you’ll definitely look great wearing them!)
- Use a Planner or Calendar to Keep Track of Meetings
I can’t be the only one who feels like I am constantly on Zoom all day every day. Over-exaggeration? Maybe. But it feels like Zoom should be in my favorites on my contact list.
During this time of staying at home, it can be difficult to keep up with what day it is! A planner or calendar is a great way to stay organized. Using a planner allows for more customization and smaller details, but it can difficult to keep using after a while. Many people start out the semester strong using planners and forget about them a few weeks in. But a wall calendar that can be hung with command strips or a nail could help keep you organized, as well. It’s bigger so you’ll see it more often, and you can customize it every month. This can help you remember important dates, meetings, and assignments.
- Take Good Breaks
Zoom fatigue is real. And in a time of virtual learning, it happens frequently. It is important to listen to your brain and your body. Listen to yourself when you can’t focus or your body is getting tired.
Simply walking away from your computer or current assignment can do wonders. Working through lunch may have its perks, but it is important to take good breaks so you can continue working as the semester trudges on.
If you have trouble doing this, set a timer on your phone. Work for an hour, and then take a 5 or 10 minute break. This can help you feel more motivated and, in the end, get more work done.
- Drink Water
Water, water, water. From my high school marching band days, I hear my former band director’s voice in my head telling me to drink water. It is so easy to forget when you’re sitting in front of your computer all day. Get a nice water bottle, and drink water all day long.
Drinking water has tons of benefits, but I didn’t go to medical school for a reason. So, in my expertise, water just keeps you feeling hydrated. And that’s a good thing. Science.
- Stay Organized
Find a way to organize both your physical space and your virtual space. For your physical space, use a bookshelf or desk organizer to keep your space neat. For your virtual space, make folders for everything so you always know where to find the documents or files you need.
We are getting more emails than ever before. Most of our correspondences are now solely through email. It is critical to stay organized so important emails don’t get lost. Organize your emails, both on your phone and your computer, in folders for each class, semester, organization, or job. That way, you can sort your emails and know where to find them when or if you need them again.
- Take care of yourself and others
We don’t have much during this time but each other. It is so important to understand that our actions affect others as well as ourselves. If you aren’t willing to hang out with others virtually, be as safe as possible, especially if you are attending classes in person. If you put yourself in a position where you may be infected, attend classes remotely classes for 2 weeks to be sure. And if you are worried about possible infection, get a test at the pharmacy. It’s quick and easy for you to find out if you have COVID-19.
This semester, just like in the spring, is difficult and exhausting. In most respects, it feels like not much has changed. COVID-19 is still prevalent and a part of our daily decisions and worries. As we approach midterms, please don’t forget to take care of yourself. You are so important and valuable.
As always, if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for reading. Now, go enjoy these October days!