Five tips to help future dietitians during COVID-19 as they navigate online classes, canceled experiences, and mental health struggles.

1. Create your workspace.

• Choose a dedicated workspace, ideally with natural light
• Optimize your setup with a pitcher of water, blue light glasses, and laptop stand
• Implement a morning routine that will set you up for success
• Eliminate distracting background noise with a white noise machine
• Add positive energy to your workspace with plants, photos, and candles.

2. Manage your time.

• Schedule regular work hours and breaks and stick to them
• Work when you are most productive
• Identify your top priorities for the day
• Time block 2-3 hours to complete each task, starting with the most important task
• Eliminate notification distractions by turning on Do not Disturb

3. Build transitions in and out of work or school.

• Create clear boundaries between work and home
• Pick a definitive end time for each day
• Pack up your home workspace each evening
• Silence notifications from work and school at the end of the day
• Keep the rituals you had, like working out, listening to music, and meal prepping

4. Get virtual experience.

• Utilize social media networks to find the virtual experience 
• Search online for remote nutrition experience in your area 
• Email past professors and mentors to ask for advice
• Pitch a remote internship idea to a Registered Dietitian working in an area of interest
• Please explain how you would be an asset and help the organization overcome challenges they are facing at this time

5. Practice a healthy mindset.

• Focus your energy on what you can control
• Turn obstacles into opportunities 
• Remember that you are not alone in this journey 
• Practice positive affirmations daily 
• Permit yourself to take unscheduled breaks to reset
• Go for a 15-minute walk, listen to your favorite song or podcast, call a friend, or meditate

BONUS! Use these resources to make connections.

• Check out PreRD.Org to find the remote virtual experience
• Join and introduce yourself on The Unconventional RD Community Facebook Group
• Learn how to network and get hired with our Get Hired Course
• Learn how to use LinkedIn and optimize your profile (Use code ALLACCESSDIETETICS for 10% off!)