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.
We have gathered some tips to follow in order maintain our mental health and wellbeing:
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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.
If practicing the above tips does not help you enough in managing the stresses of distance, you can always seek the help of a professional. Check the nearest Mindshift Psychological Center near me in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and Corona. See also branches located in Southern California – Century City, Costa Mesa, and Brentwood. Contact us now and learn more about the services we offer.
Do not let distance learning beat your mental health. Contact us and take charge of your mental health today.
