FROM PAJAMAS TO BEING YOUR OWN BOSS 

— SMASHING THE ODL QUEST

 

How does Open Distance Learning (ODL) sound to you? It sounds like a dream come true right? The dream we all had when we were schooling. Learning in our pajamas, sipping coffee, munching snacks, no rushing through endless traffic and the liberty to study in the pace that works well for us! 😌

Well… if you look behind the scenes, it is not as dreamy as it sounds. It is a combination of self-discipline, self-motivation, time management, tech savviness and mindful munching on snacks! 🍿

The flexibility of ODL is a huge plus, as we can plan our studies around our personal life, let it be household chores, last minute shopping sprees or a quick snooze before the next online session. Yet, it is not easy as it seems. It is definitely challenging. 😰

On the bright side, you aren’t alone. Every individual learning through ODL knows its highs and lows. You can undoubtedly dominate the ODL game with a positive mindset, clever tactics and some good natured humour. 😁

Here are few strategies, fun facts and tricks to help you maneuver the quest for ODL. 

🗓️💕1. Study plan - Be organized or chaoticized 

If you don’t plan out your week, it’s just going to take over and run the show. And that would be a good deal of procrastination, last-minute rush, activated panic mode, late night chaos and maxed out stress.  

Taking control of your study task early is the key to crushing the ODL game. 

How to nail it? 

• -       Use attractive and colourful planners or apps 🔖

You can either be a digital planner or a paper-and-pen devotee, but use pastel coloured highlighters, different fonts and sticky notes which are visually appealing. 

• -       Break study sessions into chunks 🗂️

Do not try to cram your brains in one go. There are many techniques like the Pomodoro technique where you study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This results in high focus and prevents burnout.

• -       Add some jazz 🎼

Every few hours switch the study method like summarizing to self-testing to watching tutorials. 

🧠✨Fun Fact: 

       Harvard Medical School found that students who catch some sleep after studying remember up to 40% more than those who pull an all-nighter. So, yes… A good sleep counts as fuel for the brain.  

💪🔥2. Motivation – The Unseen Study Sidekick

You are on your own. There is no one watching your back. No ringing of school bells. No one giving the side-eye for your snack breaks. Isn’t that a relief? 😮‍💨

But…… with that relief comes the temptations, like naps, mindless scrolling loops and streaming spree on Netflix.  

This is the time where motivation comes into action. When you slump on studying, motivation is the one which gives you a gentle nudge and whispers;

“You’ve got this! You got few tasks left. Let’s complete it!” 

You can ignite your inner flame by;

• -       Power affirmations 👉💪

Words carry power. Talk positively to your brain!

                  You can say stuff like;

·       “I can do this.”

·       “I can perform better.”

·       “I am capable.”

• -       Tiny goals 👉🎯

Break your study sessions into small doable tasks.

Instead of “Studying 4 chapters today”, you can “Read 8 pages” or “Prepare 4 flashcards”

These tiny victories add together and make you feel empowered!

• -       Visual reminders 👉👁️‍

Make a vision board, either digitally or physically, that reflects your aspirations, goals, and future self. 

Whether it’s a dream vacation, a profession or a graduation cap, remembering your “why” keeps you moving forward.  

🧠✨Fun Fact:

       Every time you complete a task, dopamine gives your brain a little "reward hit"—basically, your brain’s way of giving you a high five! For this reason, even minor victories might make you feel like a rockstar.

 

📚✨3. The knowledge nook – Your study space

ODL allows you to study literally anywhere, on your couch, at a café, the rooftop, on a window sill, you name it….

But, here’s the tricky part, you shouldn’t study everywhere just because you can. Creating a specific study area is super important since your brain benefits greatly from habit and environment cues.

Your mind becomes confused when you mix study and relaxation areas, which makes it more difficult to concentrate and retain what you have learnt.😵‍💫

Here’s how to create a study space;

• -       Stick to a study spot 🪑✨

Pick a spot in your room or house and place a study table. You can automatically switch to “study mode” when you sit at the table. 

• -      Good lighting 💡💫

If a window is nearby, opt for natural light as it alerts your mind. If not, a bright desk lamp too gets the job done.

• -       Keep essentials in arm’s reach 💁🏻‍♀️📚

Place notes, textbooks, pens, highlighters, sticky notes, and your water bottle close by. But remember to not clutter your desk. 

• -       Smartphone = Out of view 📲❌

It would be totally helpful if you switch your phone to “Do not Disturb” mode or much better if it is not in plain sight, maybe inside your wardrobe or at your dad’s desk 😃. 

🧠✨Fun Fact: 

Even a slight dehydration (1–2%) has been shown to impair memory and focus; staying hydrated while studying keeps your mind active!

 

🗣️💥 4. Participate or Fall behind 

Between you and me, isn’t it provocative to tune into your online session, slip into the mic-muted camera-off mode and slouch into your comfort zone (aka your bed)??? 

Participating is necessary in order to stay awake without dozing off, understand the lessons being taught and most importantly connect with your lecturer.

You can get involved by;

• -    Asking questions, it doesn’t matter even if it’s simple as others too might                                 be confused if you are. 🙋
• -    Respond to the lecturer’s questions either by unmuting or in the chat. 💬
• -    Engage with the lecturer by reacting with ‘👍’, ‘😂’

🧠✨Fun Fact: 

Active participants in class discussions can retain information up to 60% longer than passive listeners. That's a huge memory boost for only leaving a comment or giving a thumbs up!

 

🌐👫5. Stay connected, not isolated! 

ODL gives you the liberty to study in your pajamas while sipping coffee but it comes with yet another hidden cost which is you feeling lonely at times. You tend to forget the fact that there are other individuals like you who too are struggling to overcome the challenges of ODL.

Here are some ways to stay onboard;

• -       Join social groups on Whatsapp or Telegram 💬🤳

These groups are where the true magic happens, whether it’s for exchanging notes, exchanging memes or simply throwing a meltdown about homework. And you will never slip past another important deadline, an update or a Zoom link.

• -     Create Zoom meetings or group calls with your peers for virtual                                    discussions 📞👭

Studying by yourself can transform to endless scrolling in no time. Therefore, set up virtual conversations to discuss difficult topics, quiz each other or just vent about how much is left to do.  

🧠✨Fun Fact:

       Students having routine connections with their peers stay motivated and complete their activities by up to three times. 

Wrap-up — You’ve absolutely got this! 👉✅ 

Open Distance Learning is not easy as it comes with a lot of challenges like distractions, anxiety, lack of time management and isolation. But it gives you the opportunity to build self-discipline, independence and learning habits that would stay with you for a good while! 😃

Thus, make thoughtful plans, go easy on yourself when things get difficult, and don’t hold back to ask for assistance when you need it. 

Asking for help is a show of strength, not weakness.

Keep moving forward, you are not far from slaying your goals! 🔥🚀🎯💪✨