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Mental health is important for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for online students. Without the face-to-face interaction of traditional classroom learning, students engaged in online learning can easily feel isolated and alone. And, since online education often requires a great deal of self-motivation and discipline, the added stress can take a toll on your mental health.
According to WHO, one in five students is unable to complete their education due to the stresses of everyday life. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2030, one-third of all adults will be diagnosed with some form of mental disorder or psychological distress at least once during their lifetime, and two-thirds today suffer from low moods on an ongoing basis which can lead them to trouble both personally as well academically if left unchecked for long enough periods time.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to support your mental health as an online student. Here are some tips for staying sane:
Just because you’re always at home and comfortable attending your online classes in your study room, doesn’t mean you should neglect your own needs, especially keeping your mental health in check.
Be sure to schedule some “me time” every day or week, even if it’s just a few minutes in between your online classes. Make sure your time for yourself is guilt-free and you don’t feel like you need to use it to study or get work done.
It’s important to focus on your online classes, but it’s equally important to take some time for yourself throughout the day. Virtual classes can easily suck in hours of your time without you realising it.
Get up and move around every few hours, rest your eyes, and make sure to take a proper lunch break. This will help you stay refreshed and focused when you need to be.
Your physical health is as important as your mental well-being, and both of these need to be taken care of, especially if you’re aiming for an excellent academic performance. Remember, maintaining good nutrition and wellbeing is key to balancing the demands of your studies with your health.
Here are a few ideas for self-care:
The best way to combat feelings of isolation is to connect with other people, even if you’re not physically in the same place.
One of the dangers of mental health for online students that are so used to a secluded online environment is social isolation. It can be easy to feel alone when you’re not physically around other people in a classroom.
There are many online forums and groups for students taking online courses, so take advantage of these resources. You can also reach out to your classmates and professors through email or social media.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, talk to someone about it. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or doctor. It’s important to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through and can offer helpful advice.
Here’s a list of fun after-class things to do with your fellow students:
Knowing that you have a support system to lean on can provide a positive significant impact on your mental health, increase motivation, reduce anxiety symptoms, and improve overall enthusiasm for your online classes.
One of the biggest sources of stress for online students is the feeling that they’re not doing enough or that they’re falling behind their target academic performance.
To combat this, it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself. Break down your assignments into smaller tasks that you can complete over time, and don’t try to do too much at once. This will help minimise stress and ensure that you stay on track.
Additionally, make sure to give yourself enough time to complete tasks so you’re not feeling rushed. And, most importantly, don’t compare yourself to other students; everyone progresses at their own pace.
It’s important to be aware of the things that tend to stress you out and cause your mental health to decline. Once you know your stressors, you can work to avoid or manage them.
Some common stressors for students in online learning include:
When you feel overwhelmed with your studies, it’s important to take a step back and assess the situation. Are you trying to do too much at once? Are there specific tasks or assignments that are causing you stress?
If so, try to break those tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks. You can also ask for help from classmates, other students, professors, tutors, or other online resources.
The online learning experience can be pleasing at most times, but we cannot turn a blind eye to the reality of academic pressure.
Especially if schoolwork and personal responsibilities are happening all at once, it can be overwhelming for students engaged in virtual learning to keep up, and most oftentimes, this can take a toll on their mental health and could eventually lead to mental disorders.
Here are a few tips for dealing with pressure:
It can be tempting to stay up late working on assignments or participating in online discussions, but it’s important to get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, so be sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Mental health can be especially challenged when someone isn’t getting enough sleep. Symptoms of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression can worsen when a person is exhausted, especially after a long day of studying.
In addition, lack of sleep can lead to problems with focus, concentration, and decision-making.
Tips on how to have a steady sleep schedule:
If you are struggling to get your sleep schedule on track, here are a few things you can do to help reset your body clock and get more sleep:
It’s important to take care of your body, even when you’re busy with schoolwork. Getting regular exercise will help improve your mental health and well-being.
Exercise has always been proven to improve mental well-being and promote a positive attitude. When you don’t have time for a full workout, there are still things you can do to improve your physical health. Take a walk around the block, do some stretches at your desk, or have a 5-minute run on the treadmill.
This short burst of exercise will help to clear your head and make you feel more focused and productive. Exercising also has other benefits, such as improving mood, reducing stress levels, and boosting energy levels.
Eating properly is essential for mental health especially if you are studying, as it provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, as they can generally have a negative impact on your mental health.
Here’s a list of foods that can boost concentration, for your next snack time!
Mental health disorders are common among students engaged in distance learning. If you find that you are struggling to cope with the demands of online learning, it is important to seek professional help.
Some of the most common mental disorders that students experience include:
If mental health problems persist or if they are causing significant distress, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, or various signs of mental health issues, it is important to seek professional help.
For those interested in providing support, Counselling Courses online offer a convenient way to gain the skills needed to help others effectively. These courses can prepare you to offer professional advice and support, enhancing your ability to assist friends or fellow students in need, or even paving the way for a career in mental health counselling.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you maintain a good mental health condition as a student.
At the end of the day, regardless of wherever you are in your academic learning journey – online students, university students, undergraduate students, college students, higher education students, or just passionate young adults. Whether you are studying in higher education institutions, attending face-to-face classes, or engaging in distance learning. Regardless of your academic outcomes, remember that mental health care is very important and from every student’s perspective – should be a high priority.
Do not forget to take care of yourself, set realistic goals, and reach out for help if you need it. Access the wellness courses at My Learning Online that include mental wellness in their curriculum, supporting students' mental health and well-being
For those interested in providing support, Art Therapy Courses online offer a convenient way to gain the skills needed to help others effectively. These courses can prepare you to offer professional advice and support, enhancing your ability to assist friends or fellow students in need, or even paving the way for a career in mental health counselling. Additionally, obtaining a care certificate will further validate your skills and commitment to providing high-quality mental health support.
With a little effort, you can thrive in your online courses while keeping your mental health in check.
Stay sane and thanks for reading!
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