Mental Health Tips for Remote/Hybrid Learners
Dr. Arturo Osorio
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua
Adjusting to remote learning full-time is a top priority for millions of adults and children due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. For remote/hybrid learners, knowing how to incorporate mental health tips can help maintain balance and sanity in the somewhat unpredictable times of today. And neglecting mental health can lead to substance use disorder, legal trouble, or other issues when ignored.
Create a Designated Learning Space
When working from home remotely, having a designated learning space is ideal, whether you're a student or working full-time. A designated space is highly advisable for everyone who is working from home or for children and teens who are learning from home. Without a designated room, your home and place of work are more likely to feel as if they are becoming one and blending. If it’s difficult to differentiate between which space is your workspace and which space is for relaxation, the very idea of learning remotely can become repulsive. When creating a designated space for remote learning, be sure to consider the following
- Privacy: Privacy matters, especially in a learning space. Ensure that the learner who will be using the space will have an adequate area to sit and work comfortably, with limited distractions.
- Clutter: Eliminating clutter in your dedicated space helps to improve focus.
Consider Specific Learning Needs
When transitioning to remote learning, it’s important to consider specific learning needs for each person. While some children learning from home may thrive with Zoom calls and visual aids, others may require more one-on-one attention during tough subjects when attempting to complete an assignment on their own.
If you want to ensure a smooth experience, consider specific learning needs for your child. Some may do much better when working in solo environments, while others may thrive only when they are surrounded by their peers or in a team environment. Observe your child gauge which learning and communication tools benefit them most while learning from home. Schedule meeting times with teachers and peers for your child as they adjust to their new environment. Connect with parents to create virtual playdates for your child.
Stay Connected and Communicate Regularly
Even if your child is beginning to learn from home remotely, it's still necessary to remain connected with their peers and teacher. Staying along with your child's teacher can help you maintain peace of mind because you’ll understand the lesson plans and material being taught and can ensure they’re keeping up. Remaining in touch with your child's friends can also help them to maintain and build onto existing friendships during a crucial time in childhood.
Communicating regularly can also help you to stay informed of new work, topics, and homework that requires attention. Whether you have enrolled in online courses yourself or your child is attending a virtual or hybrid school, communication is vital. Maintaining communication with your child's teacher(s) helps to bridge the gap between virtual and real-life experiences, ensuring your child is not missing assignments and is on the right path academically and psychologically.
Stay Physically Active
Adjusting to remote learning can quickly become overwhelming if you are ill-equipped to take on the task. If your child is adjusting to remote learning, it’s also equally as important to keep doing physical activities, even when going out is the only way.
Sitting at a computer for hours at a time can lead to a myriad of problems ranging from spinal compression to obesity and breathing troubles. Take a 15 minutes break at least once every hour to ensure the blood flow throughout your body and to spend time stepping away from the screen.
Set time aside each day to walk or to work out. As little as 30 minutes of walking each day can improve cardiovascular and mental health.
Manage Your Expectations
If you’re a remote learner or have one in your home, it's necessary to manage your expectations when jumping into virtual learning for the first time. Managing your expectations does not mean predicting failure, but it can help you to prepare for potential pitfalls you experience. Understanding that it may take your child more time to adjust is important to avoid feeling guilty yourself.
When managing your expectations, set small, achievable goals that are visualized in increments. If you have a child who is adjusting to remote learning, allow for more grace based on the actual adjustment as well as your child's personality. Extend due dates and offer compassion if your child shows signs of struggling to adjust to an abnormal learning setting.
You will also need to manage expectations in terms of quality of education. As educators are still adjusting to the idea of teaching remotely themselves, it may still take some time before the process of teaching and learning online is perfect.
Going all-digital does not need to be overwhelming, understanding what remote learning entails is a must. When you are familiar with what to expect while learning remotely you can take the steps necessary to protect your child who is now learning from home from increased anxiety, isolation, and potential learning troubles.
Sources
Recovery in a Quiet and Welcoming Environment
Tips for learning online
Back to school: A framework for remote and hybrid learning amid COVID-19
Tips to support your child's mental health through remote learning
10 Mental Health Tips for Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Adverse Effects of Prolonged Sitting Behavior on the General Effects of Office Workers
10 Tips to Support Mental Health in Online Learning Environments