As a new debate rages across the country over online classes and the good old traditional classrooms, a new term called ‘zoom fatigue’ has grabbed everyone’s attention. Researchers revealed that remote learning is more stressful than classroom learning. Studies also confirmed that the burnout associated with online learning is affecting student’s mental health. Considering all these new emerging facts, health experts have coined down 10 effective ways to deal with online class exhaustion.
Online Class Fatigue is a Real Thing
Feeling exhausted after attending a long session of online classes? Well, you are not alone. Students from across the world are reporting increased headaches, exhaustion and online fatigue – even as they attend their classes from the comfort of their bedroom!
It is tiring to sit in one corner all alone attending back-to-back online classes. A recent survey revealed that students perceived distance learning as burdensome and reported high levels of burnout.
Another study claimed that students are spending as much as 10 hours on their screens. Attending classes, doing homework and assignments and watching pre-recorded lectures. This can result in anxiety, fear and even depression.
Considering all these new emerging facts, health experts have coined down a few notable tips that could help cope better with online class exhaustion.
These are some grave concerns shadowing the future of our youth.
10 Tips to Avoid Online Class Exhaustion
Prioritise Your Body
As simple as it may seem, sleep plays a vital role in relieving stress, anxiety and depression. Experts recommend seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep for adults and eight to ten hours of restful sleep for teenagers. Taking power naps or coffee naps for 20 minutes during the day also helps replenish your energy!
Move your Body
Studies found that online classes resulted in reduced mobility among the students. Moving your body not only benefits your physical health but also uplifts your mental and emotional health. Go around the house during the breaks. Practice a sport, try dancing or just climb the steps up and down!
Take A Breck
Whenever you feel exhausted, make sure to take a break. It will not only help calm those tensed nerves but also will recharge your brain’s capacity to absorb information. Play a sport, talk to a friend, or listen to music; these are all great stress busters.
Work out to Beat Worn Out
Exercising is one of the healthy habits that you must incorporate into your daily routine. It improves your blood circulation, brain function and overall health. Exercising also releases happy hormones called endorphins which improve your mood and help your body fight back the stressors.
Setting Ccreen Time
Today the entire world fits in a gadget. From entertainment to work, the screens have become an integral part of your lives. But an increased screen time can even cause structural changes in your brain. Studies proved that this can result in changed behaviour, signs of depression and other critical issues. So, set a screen time and stick to it sincerely!
Remodel Your Living Space
Online classes get difficult when there is a lot of distractions around you. Hence, it is essential to have an ergonomically designed study space to improve concentration and comfort. At the same time, the right table and chair can help to have a better posture.
Optimise Your Gadgets
Working in an incompetent device can cause frustration and anxiety. So, make sure to take good care of your learning devices. Update the user interface, optimise the brightness, upgrade the apps and renew the licenses.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule says looking at something that’s placed 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes. Studies say that this can help prevent the strain on the eyes and the unpleasant symptoms associated with it. Also remember to stretch your body, and especially your neck to avoid spondylosis and muscle spasms.
Practice Yoga and Meditation
Scientifically proven benefits of yoga and meditation include improved concentration, immunity and better resistance to health issues. Yoga and meditation are both great stress busters. They protect your mind against the negative effects of fear, panic, anxiety, and depression.
Open Your Heart to Healing
Many students have experienced the trauma of loss, the fear of uncertainty, the anxiety of living in a chaotic household. As such, the feeling of depression, anxiety and fear are natural. If you are battling these emotions then please open up to a friend, or a teacher. Talking about those unheard feelings will help you heal!
How to Overcome from Online Class Exhaustion: You’re Takeaway
E-learning is not a bad thing! But you have to use it the right way!
Listening to your body and recognizing online classes exhaustion is crucial. Headaches, tired eyes, red eyes, watering eyes, body aches, mood swings, insomnia, can be the different ways your body is trying to raise an alarm for burnout. Try implementing these simple and effective tips to avoid online class exhaustion and never shy away from seeking professional help!