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.