How to overcome mental health challenges during online classes

All of us were acquainted with offline learning. We followed it for years and were comfortable learning new concepts in a classroom environment along with the company of our peers. But, as we evolved and life progressed, the conventional offline learning form became unfit for the equation it had been a part of for so long.

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak resulted in an abrupt transition toward online learning. You would also have noticed the surge in online tutoring services, right? It was a concept new to both parties: tutors and students. And as is with every new concept, it has its own set of pros and cons. At first, it was welcomed warmly and perceived as refreshing.

After all, online learning saves a lot of time, effort, and resources incurred in commuting to learning institutes. Moreover, one just had to get up in the morning, complete a few chores and start learning straight away. Things became easy and better than before. But what was perceived to be a flawless, revolutionary learning method had some cons.

Fading motivation, limited feedback, lack of in-person interaction, and distractions were some cons of online teaching classes. Plus, online learning takes a toll on the student’s mental health. How? In the following ways:

  • Prolonged Zoom and Meet sessions can cause fatigue. Moreover, constant gazing at the computer screen with the pressure of consuming loads of information was also mentally draining for most learners.
  • Moreover, online learning also meant social isolation. Learners are no longer learning in the company of their peers. So, learning while also having fun is no longer a possibility. And it can be overwhelming.
  • Online learning also meant that one couldn’t attend extra-curricular activities. In offline classes, you could engage in different activities apart from your studying hours to stay fresh and unburdened. But sadly, that was not possible with the newer form of learning, leading to poor mental health.

These points highlight how even though online tutoring has its pros, they affect students’ mental health. Poor mental health can never allow seamless learning. In addition, we know that online classes are here to stay. The scenario isn’t going to change soon. That means we need some tips that help us overcome mental health challenges experienced during online learning.

Tips to follow to ensure better mental health and well-being during online classes.

There are many ways you can follow to ensure that online classes never take a toll on your mental health. Here they are

1. Keep in touch with your peers

Online classes let you enjoy the comfort of your home, but it should not mean that you stay out of touch with your peers and friends. Today, technology has reached a level where all our connections are just a few clicks away. So, after online tutoring sessions, stay in touch with your friends, family, and peers to stay positive and not feel aloof.

2. Follow a proper schedule

Many times, you may have noticed that you are stressed and anxious because all your tasks are unorganized and scattered. And managing everything becomes tedious, tiring, and stressful. To avoid it, prepare a schedule and follow it daily. It will help you make a routine and maintain track of time. Plus, you will know what to do when, without compromising your learning. Of all benefits, you will stay organized and productive!

And remember, staying organized means staying stress-free!

3. Keep taking breaks

Another common mistake students make is they never prioritize taking breaks. But it’s essential to understand that continuous online learning is tiring and can suck up all your energy. You can not sit in front of the screen for hours and learn effectively. Therefore, it’s advised to take small breaks between two online tutoring sessions to freshen up, restore your energy and keep fatigued at bay!

4. Get proper sleep

Sleep is a solution to all our worries. This line is a universal truth with which all of us can agree. Sleep deprivation is one of the main reasons why the mental health of students is affected. Less sleep leads to more stress and illnesses. Moreover, it also hinders your learning ability, leading to inefficient performance. And therefore, it’s advised that you follow a proper sleeping schedule to ensure that you are more than present while attending online classes.

5. Consume a healthy diet and exercise regularly

If you wish to learn effectively, then let go of your unhealthy eating habits. Oily and greasy food might please your taste buds in the short run but not your immune system in the long run. Unhealthy eating habits will affect your health, leading to complications and absence from your classes. Therefore, eat healthy, high in nutritional value foods that keep your mind and body healthy! Only then, you will be able to extract the maximum value out of online teaching.

Moreover, along with healthy food, it’s advised that you exercise regularly. It would lead to better overall health and an ability to think more clearly. A healthy mind not only absorbs information quickly but also learns everything effectively.

Therefore, eat healthily and sleep peacefully!

To conclude,

These are a few tips to ensure stable mental health while attending online classes. Remember, transitions are not often smooth. And your transition from offline to online classes can be difficult. It can push you to test your boundaries and try new stuff to succeed at learning. And there are chances that you fail and feel overwhelmed.

For the same, it’s essential to identify the concern and collectively work toward the solution. Mental health issues can be dealt with properly if all the parties- students, parents, and tutors work toward it. Collectively, the solution will be much easier to find and even easier to implement. And if you get stuck somewhere, follow the tips mentioned in the blog above to unstuck yourself, stay fresh and learn peacefully!

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