Four ways to smash Online Learning

Over the last year, a large majority of students around the world have been completing their degree from bedrooms, kitchens and home offices. This way of studying has been a struggle for many, particularly for those of us who are unmotivated. Many students have been lacking in academic support whilst others have struggled socially and emotionally. Studying from home in the place that you eat, sleep and relax can often be emotionally taxing on our wellbeing. So we’ve got four tips for you to implement into your weekly routine to boost your mental health and bring out the best vibes for you to be productive. 

• Match your wardrobe to your task

Oftentimes, if you’re studying or working from home, you’re likely to wear your pyjamas or super comfy tracksuit. Push yourself to wear what you would normally wear to class. This separates the relaxed version of you to your working environment and puts you in the right headspace to be productive and get things done. Once you’ve finished uni for the day, slip back into your comfy clothes to remind yourself to chill out at home. For extra comfort levels, slip on some thick, plush bed socks and dressing gown - they fix everything and are like a big warm hug. 

• Go outside

When you’re studying, living, eating and breathing in one space, it can be really tempting to roll from your desk straight into bed and watch the evening pass as you binge Netflix. Don’t get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with Netflix. I’m enjoying watching Bridgerton as my current lockdown binge! However, it’s been proven that going for a stroll outside or even sitting in your backyard helps to lower your blood pressure and limits the production of cortisol and adrenaline in your system. These are two of the hormones that induce feelings of stress and anxiety.

• Stay active

Whether you love it or hate it, exercise is amazing for not only your physical health, but for your mental health too. The problem is, people assume that you have to exercise for hours on end or spend a fortune on a gym membership. There’s this pressure to exercise in the ‘right’ way, but the truth is, any form of exercise and physical activity is going to be beneficial for you. It’s important to find something you enjoy - whether that be yoga, walking or doing weights. Once you figure out what you like to do, the easier it becomes to throw on your workout clothes and get straight into it! This is particularly beneficial if you’ve had a hard or stressful day, use those emotions felt and expel them through exercise. Youtube is a great source for FREE workouts ranging from yoga flows to HIIT and weight workouts. 

• Embrace Podcasts

Podcasts are increasingly rising in popularity and for good reason! They are easily accessible and are a free resource that will allow your mind to engage with something that isn’t uni or work related. It is a quick switch from working to relaxing and there are so many genres to explore. Podcasts are especially good if you’ve not stimulated your brain socially because it gives off the same stimulation as having a conversation. There are so many great podcasters that have different genres - some of my favourites are True Crime - in particular, Casefile True Crime as well as conversational podcasts like Happy Hour With Lucy & Nicki. 

After spending your days staring at screens, it’s likely that your brain and eyes will need a screen break. Play a podcast while going for a brisk walk, or while cooking your dinner and you’ll find yourself switching off from your studies in no time. With these 4 easy tips, we hope that you will leave the woes and worries for studying and working from home behind so you can relax and enjoy your evenings. 

Written By: Olivia Tartaro