Online Learning Tips
As a graduate student, online learning has been a big adjustment. Not only the way you learn changes, but also, most students (and working adults) are not used to sitting on a computer all day in Zoom meetings. It is normal to feel overwhelmed with these big adjustments, and all we can do is extend a (virtual) helping hand and show some grace, because COVID-19 is tough. The good news is… you WARRIORS are tougher, and with some of the tips and tricks listed below, hopefully you can stay online and feelin’ fine.
Make sure you have good posture! Although this seems simple, it is easy to become complacent after sitting for such long periods of time. Make sure that if you are using a tablet or laptop that it is at eye-level and you are not looking down and putting excess strain on your neck. Make sure you are engaging your core! I have always thought of posture as my body being a puppet, and the puppeteer pulling a string up from the center of my head, elongating my spine and pulling me up straight. You can also engage your core by sitting on a ball or some other object (if you are able) to actively engage your core more than you would in a stable chair.
It might be hard to focus through your least favorite subject or during a long staff meeting, so having a stress ball, a fidget toy, or something to keep you awake and engaged can always help. I have both a stress ball and a fidget toy to help me manage restlessness in a long meeting. Just make sure that you can still accomplish your tasks and goals with whatever fidget toy or stress-ball you use!
Sitting in one place the whole day makes me feel tired, even when I got plenty of rest the night before. If you or your child/student are able, try getting up and switching locations throughout the day, whether it be going to do work outdoors on a nice day, or moving to a different room in the house for a change in scenery. If not, at least try and set a personal goal to get up throughout your work/school day and do something to get your blood pumping! I like to get up in between classes and take a walk outside, do a few jumping jacks, or simply stretch and do some yoga.
Although this adjustment may not be an easy one for many, there are so many resources online to help transition you to virtual learning. These tips are just some of the few things I do throughout my day to ease the transition and be successful, but different things work for different people! Always listen to your body, and make sure you are tending to your mental health as well. If you do need a break, you can always visit our website and watch the full SWF Virtual Benefit Concert by clicking the link at the top of the site!
