Maintaining Mental Health During Online Schooling
By Brandi Goodman
A physical school setting is not the right choice for everyone. Many choose to home school or opt for an online learning solution instead. These options may work well for you in many aspects, but it can still lack in one particular area. Mental health tends to need more help when you're doing online schooling. Here's how to maintain yours.
Join a Chat Group
Plenty of others are at home just like you. Join together in a chat group where all of you can communicate. You'll get to discuss the challenges that face you all and connect with others who understand what you're dealing with. You can search online for a group of this nature or even look at social media sites, such as Facebook, for available options.
Find Time Away From the Computer
Don't just spend all your time online. It may be tempting to go from completing schoolwork on the computer to sitting on video games, but this isn't good for your mental well-being. You need time away from the computer and devices so you can clear your head, stretch, and find other things you enjoy. Make sure you're getting outside for at least a few minutes each day to get some Vitamin D, boost your spirits, and hopefully get exercise.
Volunteer
It can feel lonely to be stuck inside at a computer completing school work rather than sitting side-by-side with a classroom full of people. If you're having a hard time, go volunteer. Volunteer work helps you see how bad others have it and can really put things in perspective. It also gives you the opportunity to meet new people and perhaps find some friends. The classroom isn't the only place where friendships can be made, after all.
Get a Pet
Having a pet can help you feel like you're not alone. There's someone else there for you to take care of and focus some of your energy on. Not all residences allow all pets, but there's usually at least something you can get. A fish, for example, is allowed nearly anywhere. Even a fish can be a great pet to care for while you're online schooling. You can spend time watching them swim and help clear your mind when you need a break. They just need a daily feeding and a clean tank to be satisfied.
Online schooling can be a struggle. Do what you can to find friends, connect with others, and find time for different activities away from the computer. Doing so will help your mental health and make it easier to handle all the alone time.
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