How to Stay Healthy When Studying Online

Studying online can help you manage your lifestyle wonderfully. It means that you don't necessarily have to give up work to study and it makes it easier to fit your study schedule into an already packed life and work around your other commitments. However, while it is a great idea, it is also necessary to make sure you stay happy and healthy while you are doing it. Here is a guide to staying healthy while studying online.

Don't Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself

You may be trying to fit your studying into an already tight schedule and studying online can be a great solution, but you should avoid putting too much pressure on yourself to balance your life perfectly, as this will make you feel stressed and unwell. When you start working towards a qualification such as an online DNP,  you should plan your schedule and give yourself the time you need to complete each assignment and finish the course. Make sure this is realistic rather than aspirational, as you may give up altogether if you fall behind and feel stressed.

If your schedule looks a little unrealistic speak to the course provider and see if you have to complete it in a set period or whether you can extend your studies. An extra month or even an extra year may not make a huge difference in the scheme of things, but it could make a lot of difference to your mental health while you are studying.

Posture

Online studying can affect your posture, and this can cause joint pain. Although it is nice to be able to study while sitting on the couch, this is not the best location for your body. Before you start studying, make sure you have a chair with a back and arm rest and that the height is comfortable. Being able to rest your feet on the floor while you are working means there will be less pressure on your back and hips. Invest in a footrest if this is not the case and you will notice a great deal of difference.

Make sure that your desk is at a good height and that you can type easily without putting pressure on your wrists. RSI is a painful condition that can be caused by incorrect posture while you are typing or using a computer. The position of your arms will influence your neck and shoulder joints too. You should make sure that your computer is in your eye line rather than too low or too high as this can put a strain on your body.

Exercise

Sitting in one position for too long can cause joint problems and mobility issues. Make sure you schedule time to exercise during the week. This does not have to be a two-hour session in the gym; going for a walk or run two or three times per week will help you a lot. If you are short on time, a HIIT workout or even ten minutes of online yoga can be a great way to take care of your body. You may even find that you are fitter when you finish the course than when you started it.

Sight

Your vision can be affected by spending too long working at a computer and this can cause your eyesight to weaken, and it may also lead to headaches. Alleviate this problem by scheduling regular breaks into your study program and make sure you take them. A good rule of thumb is to step away from your computer for at least ten minutes every hour. Don't be tempted to spend that time on social media or Google though, as this won't give your eyes a rest from the screen. Instead, go and make a healthy drink or a snack and give your eyes a well-deserved break.

It is important that you work in a well-lit room and avoid screen glare as much as possible. As tempting as it is to study outside on a really nice day, do not work in direct sunlight. Try to alternate your computer work with time spent listening to podcasts or reading a book, especially if you are outside, as this will help your vision too.

Book yourself regular eye checks, especially if you find that your eyesight is not as good as it used to be, or you are suffering from double vision. Don't be afraid to raise any issues with your optician. That is what they are there for after all.

Eating

You need to eat properly to nourish your body. There are a lot of different health problems that can be caused if you skip meals or eat a poor diet, such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Eating is an easy thing to overlook if you are busy studying but it should not be ignored. Eating regular, healthy meals can improve the power of your brain and aid your studying. Foods such as bananas, nuts, and oily fish are good for the brain, and they release energy slowly, so they are likely to make you feel fuller for longer.

Sleep

You should not overlook the importance of sleep when you are studying, as this is how your brain repairs itself and keeps up with all the things you need to do. Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep per night and take time to wind down before you go. Studying at bedtime will keep you awake, and this is bad for your heart, blood pressure, and mental health among other things. The earlier you can go to bed, the more beneficial it is to your natural rhythms. It can often be a good idea to go to bed early but set your alarm for an earlier start if you want to study rather than burning the midnight oil.

Follow this guide to make sure you stay healthy during the time you are studying and get the most out of the experience.