Are you struggling to find a sense of routine and normalcy in your daily life? Irrespective of how much you disliked attending morning lectures, don’t you wish you could go to the classroom to hang out with your friends? Have you been feeling guilty about not studying enough or missing deadlines for homework assignments?
While every student has harbored dreams of study at home, the reality of Remote Learning during the pandemic is far different. Attending online lectures at home is lonely and tiresome. Worse still, it can take a toll on your mental health and affect your performance.
Remote Learning: 4 Self-Care Tips & Mental Toll For Students
what is remote learning? Now, most people will tell you that you need to establish a daily routine and organize your study space to boost your productivity while studying at home. But that’s easier said than done when you don’t have a teacher who’s holding you accountable for your actions.
Don’t be surprised if each day blends into the next and leaves you grappling to complete assignments on time. That’s the reason many students become passive learners and get stuck in the rut of self-blame and self-hatred. The general fear and uncertainty of the pandemic will only add to your stress.
According to a recent study, 71% of students have reported an increase in anxiety and stress levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re worried about their academic performance and future, as well as the safety and wellbeing of their family members.
In this blog, we’ve outlined a few useful self-care tips to help students improve their Remote Learning and mental health while studying at home. Let’s take a look.
Don’t Hesitate To Ask For Help
Here’s the thing – no one expects you to sail through the pandemic all by yourself. If you have queries about your lessons or assignments, make sure you reach out to your professors. Most teachers are open to clarifying students’ doubts even after class. Check with them to find out when they’d be available to talk to you.
If your professors aren’t approachable, consider exploring online forums and learning platforms to find suitable homework answers help. You can use these platforms to connect with online tutors and clarify any doubts you might have about a homework assignment.
Whether you need help with math problems or a history essay, these tutors can help you develop a solid understanding of complex concepts. Seeking help from such experts will save you from the stress of chasing homework deadlines.
Make The Most Of Your Connections While Remote Learning
Just because you can’t meet your classmates in person doesn’t mean there’s no other way to interact with them. Use video conferencing tools to form remote education groups with your peers. Such groups come in handy while preparing for tests.
Similarly, discussing assignment questions within the group will expose you to alternate perspectives about a specific topic. Also, interacting with your classmates can go a long way to relieve the feeling of isolation.
Apart from study groups, you can also organize online gatherings with your friends during lunch. It’ll simulate the effect of being in a classroom and create a semblance of normalcy. Use the time to talk about the challenges you’re facing, and learn how your peers are dealing with similar struggles.
Follow Sleep Hygiene Practices
Not having to get ready and go to class every morning can disrupt your sleep cycle. It’s difficult to resist the temptation to stay up all night and watch the latest season of your favorite Netflix show. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself scrolling through your Instagram feed until the wee hours of the morning.
But ditching a good night’s sleep adversely affects your concentration and productivity. Long-term sleep deprivation can also worsen mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress.
That’s why it is necessary to stick to your bedtime even if you don’t have to wake up early in the morning. Minimize screen time before going to bed. Also, keep your bedroom clutter-free and away from your study space.
Find Time For Yourself
Now that you don’t have to commute to college every day, you’ll have more time to do the things you’ve been putting on the back burner for so long. While it’s good to follow a daily routine, make sure you take time out of your schedule for other activities you enjoy.
You could pick up a new hobby, learn to play a musical instrument, or bring home a new pet. Alternatively, you could use the time to unwind and indulge in a Netflix marathon to catch up on your favorite shows. The key is to strike a balance between academics and leisure.
Studying at home creates plenty of roadblocks for students who are already stressed about the pandemic. It’s necessary to take charge of your mental health and not let it affect your performance.
Stay in touch with your classmates via Skype or Zoom, and reach out to online tutors for help. Also, take breaks from your routine life to try your hands at new activities. If you feel stressed despite your best efforts, connect with a professional counselor for help.