Over the past few years, online learning has shifted from a necessary safety measure to a new way to educate oneself. Even though many people have started studying on campuses again, online education still attracts many students, especially working-age adults, looking to upskill their capabilities.
While online learning offers benefits like convenience, flexibility, and access to a wide range of resources, incorporating technology and education can also have disadvantages. Online students can suffer from physical and mental health problems if they don’t take the right health measures when learning online. If you’re an online learner looking to boost your wellness, here are some ways you can stay healthy:
Get enough sleep
After a long day of online learning, sleep helps you recharge your body and brain. It’s crucial for maintaining physical, mental, and cognitive health, so pulling an all-nighter or sleeping for less than seven hours consistently will leave you tired and sluggish, impacting your academic performance. Aim to sleep eight hours every night to ensure you get enough rest to conquer another day of online learning. If you have trouble with your sleep schedule, you can create a bedtime routine to help you relax. Turn off your gadgets and take a warm bath or shower, read, do skincare, or other activities to tell your body and mind it’s time for bed.
Use blue light glasses
Learning online requires you to look at a computer or tablet screen for much of the day. However, this can lead to eye strain, blurry vision, and headaches, impacting your learning experience and productivity. You can wear blue light glasses while online learning to combat digital eye strain from your screens’ blue light. These glasses increase contrast when looking at screens and block out reflections, boosting visual comfort. They’re typically available in prescription and non-prescription versions, so you can find a pair that suits your needs. You can put them on while watching courses, attending video calls, or doing research, and you can stay productive without worrying about eye fatigue.
Spend time outside
It can be hard to leave your study space while learning online, but making an effort to take a break and step outside at least once a day can do wonders for your well-being. Spending time in nature can help improve short-term memory, reduce stress, and help fight depression and anxiety, among other benefits. You can head out to a nearby park for fresh air, walk to a cafe to buy a cup of coffee instead of ordering in or do a quick morning jog to wake your body and brain up for the day. Getting some outside time can also connect you to your community, combating social isolation.
Invest in ergonomics
Sitting at your desk for long hours can cause aches and pains, especially in your back, neck, wrist and shoulders. However, you don’t have to tolerate discomfort when online learning, and you can ease the pain by investing in proper office ergonomics. Your chair should be the first thing you adjust since it’s where you’ll spend most of your day. A chair that has sufficient spine support and cushioning is ideal, and you should be able to place your feet flat on the floor when you sit on it. Your desk should allow your elbows to rest at a 90-degree angle instead of bending upwards. Your monitor should be at arm’s length, and your eyes should be level with the screen. If you work on a laptop, try using a laptop stand to avoid hunching over.
Stay hydrated
Water is essential for your bodily functions, so drinking enough of it per day can ensure you’re in your best condition when learning. Around six to eight glasses of water daily is the recommended amount. To ensure you’re staying hydrated, you can keep a bottle of water with you during the day for easy access. Eating hydrating fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and apples can give you a hydration boost besides water. They have a high water content and are excellent sources of various nutrients. You can also limit your intake of coffee and alcohol, which can zap your hydration.
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