Staying sane while learning online

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, students have had to transition to fully online learning. For many students, remote learning can be overwhelming. That does not mean online classes cannot be manageable for students. 

Keep a journal. Writing is a great way to relieve stress. Getting your thoughts and feelings out on the page can help work through things that have been stressful. It can also help get some of the mental clutter that might be bugging you. 

Another way to get rid of mental clutter is exercise. Sitting in front of the computer all day for classes can be uncomfortable and is not good in general. Going for a quick walk or doing some stretches between classes can help relieve tension and clear your mind. 

One thing that can prevent you from stressing: try not to procrastinate. I know this is hard. It’s natural to want to put things off until later. It always seems like a good idea at the time. Doing things before they are due means less stress and more time to do things that are enjoyable.

Get a good night’s sleep. I know this is easier said than done. Sometimes, it’s easier to stay up late watching Netflix. However, getting a good amount of sleep will help you become more focused and not be exhausted during class.

Drinking lots of water can also help with focus during classes. Water has countless benefits, one of which is boosting concentration. 

Listening to music is another way to relax and unwind. Music has been shown to reduce stress and boost people’s mood. Find a playlist you like or make your own that you can listen to when you want to escape.

Lastly, unplug from technology. I know this seems counterintuitive since everything is online now, but it can be beneficial. Sometimes, social media can be really stressful. Right now, it’s especially maddening given everything going on in the world. It’s okay to take a break and unplug for a little while.