The COVID pandemic has resulted in changes among school programs around the world. To comply with social distancing measures, schools have been closed down and the main method of learning has been through digital platforms.
The closure of schools and the sudden switch to distance learning have both advantages and challenges. While some students are thriving and coping fairly well, there are those who are negatively affected by the sudden change in teaching methods.
Some students are experiencing mental health problems such as anxiety, stress, increased level of distress, and depression. While distance learning promotes social distancing and limits the spread of the coronavirus, it has also made learning and coping more difficult for some students.
Key Takeaways
- Establishing a rigid daily structure helps separate academic pressures from personal relaxation time.
- Physical movement and mindfulness are essential tools for combating the sedentary nature of virtual classes.
- Telehealth Therapy servicesprovide a vital support system for students struggling with isolation.
Professional guidance can offer specific coping mechanisms for “zoom fatigue” and digital burnout.
We have gathered some tips to follow in order maintain our mental health and wellbeing:
- Create a schedule
Maintaining study-life balance is key to keeping sane during the pandemic. While you are studying from home, make sure to set a regular schedule and follow the routine every day. This makes it easier to anticipate daily activities and track your activities for the day. Creating a schedule puts you in the proper mindset for the day to come. Managing your time wisely can lift the burden of feeling lost or helpless with schoolwork. Having a schedule also creates a separation between your academic and personal life.
- Get up at a specific time daily, even when you do not need to travel to school
- Set daily goals to achieve in school and learn how to prioritize your tasks.
- Create to-do lists, both for personal and academic goals
- Create a schedule that separates study time from personal time
- Maintain social connections
Social distancing prohibits us from interacting with our friends and teachers personally, but it does not mean we cannot interact with them at all. Advancements in technology have now allowed for applications that help us maintain social connections. Keep the lines of communication open and get in touch with family and friends. Distance learning has removed an important component of school life: interacting with your friends. There are still plenty of ways to maintain your social connections
- Use video platforms such as Zoom, Facetime, and Messenger to stay connected and updated with friends
- Schedule meetups and hangouts, even if it is online
- Schedule a video chat among friends, especially in times one needs to vent out
- Exercise and move around
Going to classes in your sweatpants can make you feel very lazy to move around. With distance learning, it is very easy to be sedentary and move less. However, we do not encourage becoming a couch potato. Exercising your body can actually help you boost your mood and improve overall mental health and well-being.
- Learn a new sport while in the comfort of your home
- Take a quick walk, jog, or bike ride daily
- Take part in dance sessions around your community
- Stretch daily, even just for a few minutes, to release tension in your body
- Practice meditation
While physically exercising can release mood-boosting endorphins, so can meditation and mindfulness exercises. Meditation is the ultimate exercise for the brain and has several benefits on mental health such as providing peaceful disposition and rejuvenates our mind and energy level
- Join a free online yoga class and stretch those muscles out
- Try starting the day by meditating and practicing deep, slow breathing
- Sit and lie comfortably for a few minutes a day and focus only on how your body breathes
- Get enough sleep
Managing stress begins with getting enough sleep. A sleep-deprived person can quickly become agitated and irritable. A good night’s sleep is important for learning success and helps you absorb instructions and learning materials more.
- Get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily
- Avoid using your gadgets right before you sleep
- Schedule and finish homework early and try not to do them before you sleep
- Take mini breaks
Staring at a monitor for several hours a day can be physically and mentally exhausting. Taking a scheduled break is another way to manage stress and protect your mental health. Sitting in front of the computer all day is not healthy for your mind nor body. Taking breaks are an easy, effective way to lower stress.
- Schedule tiny breaks in between classes
- Stand up and stretch during transitions between each class
- Taking a break can be as easy as a change in scenery – even just for a few minutes
- Invite someone out for a meal or coffee
- Get help if needed
When the stress levels of distance learning overwhelms you, there are professionals we can talk to and seek help. They will help us feel better physically and mentally. These professionals will help us cope with the stresses brought by distance learning.
The Impact of Digital Fatigue on Cognitive Function
Beyond the logistical hurdles, students often face a phenomenon known as “Zoom fatigue.” This exhaustion stems from the intense focus required to process non-verbal cues through a screen.
When your brain is working overtime to interpret a grainy video feed, it has less energy for actual learning. This is why many students in California report feeling more drained after a day of remote classes than a full day on campus. Utilizing online cognitive behavioral therapy can provide specific tools to manage this cognitive load. A mental health counselor in CA can help you develop “digital boundaries” that protect your focus and energy.
Developing these boundaries often involves “brain breaks” that involve zero screens. Instead of checking your phone during a break, try looking out a window or organizing a physical space. These small shifts allow the prefrontal cortex to rest, which is essential for maintaining long-term academic motivation.
Supporting Younger Students and Children
For younger children, school is as much about social development as it is about academics. The loss of the playground and the cafeteria means the loss of critical social learning environments. Parents often notice increased irritability or regression in behavior when children are kept away from their peers for too long.
Consulting a specialist in child psychology in Corona can help parents identify if a child’s behavior is a normal reaction to change or a sign of deeper distress. Early intervention is key to ensuring that the digital transition doesn’t result in long-term social anxiety. We focus on helping children find alternative ways to build these essential skills while at home.
For families in Riverside, the challenge is often balancing multiple students in one household. Creating “quiet zones” and using family therapy telehealth can help reduce the friction that comes with shared workspaces. When everyone in the house understands each other’s needs, the environment becomes much more conducive to growth.
The Role of Telehealth in Bridging the Gap
One of the most effective ways to combat the isolation of remote learning is through telehealth mental health counseling. By engaging with a professional online, you are reclaiming the digital space for your own healing. This turns the screen from a source of stress into a source of support and connection.
A licensed therapist in California understands the specific pressures that local students face. Whether you are dealing with the competitive atmosphere of a university or the social pressures of high school, virtual support is available. We offer a variety of specialized services, including teen therapy, to ensure every age group has the right tools to succeed.
Consistency is the most important factor in seeing real change. Virtual sessions remove the barriers of traffic and scheduling conflicts, making it easier to stay committed to your wellness. By prioritizing your mental health now, you are building the resilience needed for whatever the future of education may hold.
Reclaiming Your Academic Journey
Distance learning doesn’t have to be a source of constant distress. By implementing a strong routine and seeking professional support, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for personal growth. Learning to manage your own time and wellness in a remote environment is a skill that will serve you throughout your life.
If you are a student or parent in Riverside or Corona, remember that you are not alone in this process. Local experts are ready to provide the guidance needed to thrive in a digital world. Taking charge of your emotional health is the most important step you can take toward academic and personal success.
Strengthening Your Support System Today
Navigating the complexities of modern education requires a proactive approach to your emotional well-being. If you are ready to find a better balance, MindShift Psychological Services is here to guide you. We offer telehealth therapy services across the state, ensuring that every student has access to the care they need to succeed both in and out of the virtual classroom.
Call us at (714) 584-9700.
We accept Medicare, Medi-Cal, IEHP, and Tricare insurance plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does distance learning feel more exhausting than regular school?
The brain must work harder to process social cues via video, leading to “digital fatigue.” A mental health therapist in CA can help you develop strategies to manage this specific type of exhaustion. - Is online therapy effective for students with ADHD?
Yes, we use specific tools and structured sessions to help students with attention challenges stay engaged. Many find online therapy for anxiety helpful for managing the secondary stress that comes with ADHD. - How can I help my teenager stay motivated?
Focus on creating a clear separation between “school” and “home.” Utilizing teen therapy can also provide them with an objective space to vent and set goals. - What if we can’t find a private space for therapy at home?
Many clients use headphones, white noise machines, or even attend sessions from a parked car to ensure privacy while working with an LMFT in California. - Are these services available to students in Corona?
Yes, we have local expertise and offer care for those in Corona and the surrounding areas. Whether you need in-person or virtual support, we are here to help your family navigate these changes.