Dear Aspect, I find myself hooked on my phone and not doing any work for hours on end. Any advice?
I think every Gen-Z can relate to this, and it is honestly a shameful moment looking at our screentime analysis. Social media is a getaway that most teens cannot turn down, so it is all about striking a balance. Follow accounts that inspire you and make you want to better yourself. An example of this is using Tik Tok to watch study lives. On study live streams, content creators sit and do their work for around 20 minutes, then have a 5-minute chat with their audience. I have seen some study lives with over 20k viewers, and they’re perfect for keeping concentrated on your studies whilst also feeling a form of social interaction.
Study podcasts on Spotify are a great way of revising or preparing for assignments on all different levels. They cover topics you may face in your degree, as well as tackling issues such as preparing for exams. They’re perfect to listen to during downtime or for podcast lovers. Alternatively, if you really cannot control your urge to go on your phone, schedule screentime downtime or limits so your phone physically stops you from wasting time on these apps.
Aspect… How can I motivate myself to have a good and productive day?
During lockdown, it is very normal to feel unmotivated and sluggish. We find it useful to sit the night before and plan out the things you want to achieve the next day. Break the tasks down and make it seem approachable so you set your day off on the right foot. Get an early night so you can wake up early in the morning. Jumping in the shower first thing or making yourself a morning coffee is a perfect way to wake yourself up. Plan your breaks and meals to prevent procrastination and be sure to reward yourself after a successful day!
Hi Aspect… I have become distanced from my friends due to lockdown. How can I feel closer to them again?
I think a lot of people feel this is at the minute as the social interactions have been limited for almost a year now. If you feel yourself distancing, it could reflect your mental health and it is important to reach out to your old friends when you need them, as good friends will always be there. Although the zoom era of lockdown has well and truly passed, playing games together virtually or on zoom is a great way of connecting in a light-hearted manner. Alternatively, you should consider if you have shut yourself off, and see if the communication goes both ways. It is natural to grow up and apart from old friends so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Keep it lighthearted and remember, your friends might be feeling low hence their distance. Check-in on your loved ones but also check in on yourself!