As the year progresses, students and faculty are beginning to comment on the “Zoom fatigue” that comes with virtual learning. According to junior class representative Langdon Janos, whether it’s 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 p.m., there is always something to do.

“In all of our class meetings, we have been trying to remind everyone that we know it’s a difficult time,” Janos said. “We also have been talking about tips to cope with the stress of online school.”

Getting dressed every day and making the space that you do schoolwork in more “comfortable” and “colorful” were among the many tips Janos and the rest of the class representatives shared.

“Obviously, we are no experts on everything but we are just trying to be helpful,” Janos said. “The tips that we talk about are ones that we have personally tried.”

Janos noted that it is extra difficult because Archer students are doing school without the fun and normal social interactions that occurred before quarantine.

“We don’t get to say ‘Hey, how are you?’ in the hallways anymore,” Janos said. “That lack of connection makes it a lot harder to stay motivated.”

Jessica Tuchin (’21), co-president of the Mental Health club, noted a lack of human communication can create difficulties when attempting to re-adjust.

“Remote learning definitely poses unique challenges to a healthy lifestyle,” Tuchin said. “The best thing we can do is reach out to our friends and family to stay connected.”

Tuchin said that she goes on walks frequently while on the phone with her friends, allowing her to not only get exercise and get outside but also have some form of social interaction.

“It is a great way to center yourself and take your mind off school for a little while,” Tuchin said.

Science teacher Melissa Sharp calculates her screen time on Zoom each week to ensure that she and her students are spending an appropriate amount of time off-screen.

“I have new boundaries and guidelines that I am working on following,” Sharp said. “My family and friends know that if we are going to connect, it will be over the weekend.”

Sharp said the key is that she sleeps at least 7.5 hours each night. Good sleep can help combat the tiredness one can feel from being on Zoom the whole day.

“Some of my mentees are even taking naps during the day,” Sharp said. “I think that is the greatest thing ever.”

Sharp also said that she goes for a walk or hike every day before school which helps fuel her motivation.

“Without starting my morning right, I feel like the rest of my day becomes off track,” Sharp said.

However, these good habits don’t always come to fruition right away.

“In the beginning, it was a lot harder to be on Zoom every day,” Tuchin said. “But now that I have created a schedule for myself it has become a little easier. However, I am definitely still learning to adapt to this odd and unprecedented situation.”