As an online student, it’s quite easy to get caught up in the business of homework, deadlines, and virtual meetings. And sometimes it can feel like you have been sitting at your desk the entire week. But amidst all the chaos, it's crucial to prioritize time for self-care.

In honor of World Health Day 2023, let's take a closer look at the importance of self-care for online students.

About World Health Day

World Health Day is a global health awareness day that occurs every year on April 7th. The World Health Organization (WHO) started World Health Day in 1950 in order to bring awareness to public health issues and promote healthy living in society. Each year, the WHO chooses a different theme to focus on, and as it celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year, the theme of World Health Day is ‘HEALTH FOR ALL’.

Crimson Global Academy defines World Health Day as an opportunity for students to reflect on their own health and well-being, as well as the health of their communities and the world. It's a reminder to prioritize self-care and to take steps to improve their physical, emotional, and mental health. It's also a chance to learn about public health issues and to take action to make positive changes in the world.

What is self-care?

Self-care is any activity that we do to take care of our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It's not just about bubble baths and face masks, but rather a holistic approach to our health. This includes eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, managing stress, and taking breaks when needed.

Why should online students consider a self-care routine?

As an online student, self-care can easily fall by the wayside. With no commute to campus and the flexibility to complete coursework on your own schedule, it's easy to get lost in a sea of assignments and neglect maintaining your health. This can include not drinking enough water, not getting recommended sleep, or forgetting to make time for exercise. But abandoning self-care can have serious consequences for our overall health and academic success.

How to maintain optimal physical health

Let's start with physical health. Sitting in front of a computer for hours on end can take a toll on our bodies. Poor posture, eye strain, and lack of movement can all lead to chronic pain and discomfort. To combat this, it's important to take regular breaks to stretch, move around, and rest our eyes. Additionally, making time for exercise and nourishing our bodies with healthy foods can help us feel our best.

The importance of connection and self compassion

Online learning can be isolating, and it's easy to feel disconnected from our peers and professors. Additionally, the pressure to perform well can lead to anxiety and stress. Taking care of our emotional health means making time for social connection, whether it's joining virtual study groups or scheduling virtual coffee chats with classmates. It also means practicing self-compassion and acknowledging that it's okay to struggle.

Prioritizing Mindfulness and Stress Management

Studying online all day can become overwhelming, and It's important to recognize when we need to take a step back and prioritize our mental health. This might mean seeking out resources like counseling or therapy, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking a mental health day to rest and recharge. Journal writing can also be a great way for students to take care of their mental health. Not only have studies found that journalling can boost your critical thinking skills, it’s also a great way to destress.

Incorporating health and wellbeing into online education is crucial in today's fast-paced world. Crimson Global Academy is setting a new standard by providing world-class online education that not only enhances your academic skills but also prioritizes your health and wellbeing to achieve the best in student outcomes.

Speak to one of our Crimson Global Academy's advisors, and learn how our innovative approach to education can help you achieve your academic goals while also taking care of your mental and physical health.