With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools and colleges all over the world have resorted to online schooling. College on its own can be a huge cause of stress to many students, with the struggle to study hard to keep grades up, while also maintaining an active social life. Adding virtual classes to that equation is definitely going to add more stress and anxiety: it’s easy to forget about our mental wellness, especially when we are trying to keep our grades up with the added confines of our house and computer. With world mental health day on the 10th of October, here are few ways to keep your mental health in check whilst online schooling:
- Assigning a place to work in:
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Even before the pandemic, I would always do all my homework and assignments in my bed, and I never realized how much this was holding me back until I set up a desk to work at. Working on a bed or a couch gives you the illusion of relaxation and ease, which immediately makes you more lethargic and tired. Dedicating a place to work, like a desk, will make it easier for you to get in the zone and complete all your work. You can also decorate your desk knick-knacks, like little succulents and photos, to make it more homely.
- Taking breaks:
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I’m the type of person who watches something on Netflix or scrolls through social media in the name of a “break.” With online schooling, however, this method of taking breaks is not very effective, as you’re not really giving yourself a break from your computers. Going on walks in between classes is one way you can really rejuvenate yourself before going back to the monotony of online schooling. The change of scenery can be refreshing, and having some time to yourself can be very helpful!
- Attend online office hours:
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Having to attend online schooling behind the barriers of a virtual screen can be anxiety-inducing, especially now that you don’t have direct contact with your professors. Attending online office hours helps you to establish that contact with your professors, and you can talk to them about any doubts or anxieties you have. I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to help you out.
With all this being said, there are sometimes when we just need some time for a mental reset of sorts, and that’s completely valid! Just make sure you surround yourself with positive thoughts and have people to talk to- I always find that helpful and I hope you do too!
One thing that has really helped me on difficult days is a dialogue from the Norwegian TV show, Skam. This dialogue occurs after Even’s breakdown in season 3, and it’s something I tell myself often: “When everything seems hopeless just take one day at a time. And if one day becomes too much, just take one hour at a time. And if one hour becomes too much, then just take one minute at a time.”