Studying in online class is not as easy as it may seem. Regardless of whether or you are in
a high school or university, almost every student has a hard time adjusting to it.
If you are someone who is struggling with stress during online class and trying to find a way
to manage it better, then you are in the right place!
Almost for everyone, earning an online degree can naturally be stressful. In this post, we will
discuss eight simple, effective stress management tips that can not only help you in your
online degree program but also in life.
So, let’s get into it!
Stay Social
We often think that while studying, we should only focus on studying and nothing else.
However, as humans are social beings and we yearn for human connection.
Unfortunately, online schools and colleges make it extremely easy for you to completely
immerse in education. It does it to such an extent that you put off or end up forgetting to stay
in touch with your friends and family.
Therefore, whenever you find yourself being too isolated while pursuing your degree, make a
conscious effort to reach out to your loved ones.
Try to stay social even if it means making a text or sending a voice note. This is the easiest
way to relieve stress, as talking to loved ones can help in making you feel lighter.
Get Enough Night Sleep
While it may sound strange at first, getting a good night's sleep is one of the most important
parts of stress management.
However, it is to note, here by sleep they do not mean pulling all nighters and then sleeping
in the morning. It means to get a proper good night’s sleep. This is because our body and
mind need to refresh and recharge in order to do better the very next day. One of the best
ways to achieve that is by sleeping minimum hours. According to the National Sleep
Foundation, you should get about seven to nine hours of sleep.
Sleep not only helps but managing stress levels, but it also helps in increasing focus and
retaining capabilities.
Hence, find the amount of hours that are right for you and then try sticking to them.
Do Daily Exercise
Working out might not fit your schedule that easily. However, whether you are pursuing your
degree online or are just busy overall, try making time for exercising, as it is the most
effective stress management technique. In fact, it is time tested because it actually works!
Here, by exercising, we are not asking you to become a gym rat. It could be as simple as
going out for a walk for just 10 minutes. Even something as simple can release endorphins.
The body feels good hormones, which will instantly lift your mood and make you feel better.
While being good for stress management, working out is also good for your body and mind.
Eat Healthy
Are you still going for a stress management tip? Well, try eating healthy. In stress, we often
crave high fat food known as comfort food. However, they are quite harmful for our body as
they decrease energy, which further decreases our academic performance.
This means they do more harm than good. Hence, try eating meals that are high in fibre. For
example, you can eat more protein, whole grain, vegetables and fruits.
Soon, your grades and body will thank you for this decision!
Stay Organised
Online education demands you to be organised because it can get really messy to juggle
academic and social life as both are online. Try keeping your desk clean. Do not forget to
create folders on your laptop for everything so that you can easily navigate through. Make
sticky notes for all the important dates and put on reminders.
Once you stay organised, it will get easier for you to manage stress.
Manage Your Time Smartly
Time plays a big role in online education as you do not have an instructor or a school bell to
guide you along the way.
Now you have to do everything on your own. From waking up early to prioritising tasks so
that you can avoid distractions and set goals, you will have to manage your time wisely all on
your own.
It is to note that you will have to keep a balance between your personal and social life too.
One of the best ways to do so is by giving them equal amounts of time.
Get Help If Situation Calls For It
There comes a time when the stress can get a little out of control. This is when you should
consider talking to a professional, as they can help you feel better both physically and
mentally.
There are various schools and colleges that have advisors who are specifically there to help
students manage pressure to pursue their degrees online. In addition, these therapists are
ideal to talk to even if your stress is not academic related.
Hence, from stress management worksheets to coping mechanisms, the right therapist will
equip you with all the tools you need to manage stress effectively.
Don’t Forget to Take Break
Managing stress while pursuing online learning can be really difficult. However, one tip that
is quite effective while doing so is to take breaks in between. When you sit in one spot for
hours and hours, it has a negative effect on your body and mind. Therefore, take breaks in
between. Stand up and stretch a bit. Why not go for a walk? Or get on a call with your loved
one to meet for a cup of coffee.
Taking a break doesn't need to be something extremely huge. It can be as simple as
watching your favourite video. Doing this small activity can give your mood a boost, which
helps in relieving stress easily.
Sometimes the academic stress can get to you by slowly piling up. It can lead to trouble
sleeping, poor concentration, rapid heartbeat or something even more severe. Therefore,
stop what you're doing and take a break. Sometimes all you need is a minute away from
your screen to feel better.
Conclusion
Adjusting to online class is not an easy feat. This is why many start experiencing severe
anxiety. Thankfully, after reading the tips and techniques mentioned above, you will know
exactly how to manage your academic stress.
Author Bio:
James Cordon has an ongoing affair with the words that capture readers’ attention. His
passion for writing dates back to his pre-blogging days. He loves to share his thoughts
related to education technology and business.
