This semester, we have to make some adjustments to the way we learn virtually. To help combat the stress of online learning and make your experience easier, here are 10 things to invest in.
1. A Planner.
Now more than ever, It’s so important to schedule effectively. Sometimes, your professors will send reminders about assignments, but usually, it’s up to you. Using a planner is the perfect way to stay on track with your busy schedule. Go through your syllabus for every class, and add all of your assignments for the entire semester to your planner for easy access whenever you need it.
2. Blue Light Glasses.
Being on the computer all day can take a toll on your eyes. There are debates about whether blue light glasses help, but many people swear by them! If you have eye pain or irritated eyes after being on the computer, blue light glasses might be able to help you. Consider doing some research to see if you’re interested in buying a pair.
3. A Laptop Stand.
Whether you lie down in bed or sit at a desk for class, looking down at a screen can cause a lot of neck pain. Laptop stands help maintain good posture, and as a result, relieving neck and lower back pain. Some laptop stands have a place to rest your coffee and your phone!
4. A Coffee Maker.
You might not be able to buy coffee on the way to school anymore. If your budget allows for it, invest in a coffee maker like a Keurig. Now is a great time to learn how to brew your favorite coffee, and experiment with different flavors and syrups. Making coffee can be fun, and you’ll save money in the long run! Plus, the satisfaction of knowing you made delicious coffee is unmatched.
5. A Supportive Desk Chair.
If you sit at a desk when you’re in a virtual class and you feel back pain after sitting down for a few hours, your chair might be the problem. A good chair will help relieve lower back and neck pain and keep you comfortable. If you’re looking for a long-term chair that will give you plenty of support (but can be pricey), look into gaming chairs, or just search for the most supportive chair you can find that fits your budget.
6. A Yoga Mat.
People always say that if you have a healthy body, you’ll have a healthy mind. To keep your body healthy, you should consider purchasing a yoga mat. It will make stretching, yoga, and workouts more comfortable, and if you keep it in plain sight, it will even remind you to use it!
7. A Place to Write To-Do Lists.
To-do lists are a major help when it comes to deadlines. A great way to use them is to create weekly to-do lists. This will help you stay on track during the week without feeling overwhelmed by an entire semester worth of work. You can use post-its, a dry erase board or anything else you can think of to make your lists.
8. Headphones.
If you have trouble with outside noise, you might prefer listening to your professors through a pair of headphones. Earbuds can be as cheap as 15 dollars, and there are so many different quality options. If you only plan on using headphones for class, 15 dollars is super affordable, and they’ll get the job done.
9. A Book Stand.
If you’ve never used a book stand, now is the time! You can use it to hold a book at eye-level, which will help your posture and back and neck pain. It might even make reading endless textbook chapters seem easier.
10. Stress Balls.
Last, but certainly not least, are stress balls. Never underestimate the power of a stress ball! Not only are they cheap, but they’re a great outlet for any worries or stress you might have related to school or life in general.
Learning online is not always easy, but hopefully, some of these products will be worth the investment to help get you through the semester. Remember, we are all dealing with this and learning together!