Health and wellness for online learners

Starting college means getting used to a new routine and balancing priorities. Explore things you can do now and things you can do once your classes begin to maintain your health and wellness as on online learner.

Limit distractions

• Set up your study space in an area with a reliable internet connection.
• Ask family and friends to respect your study space.
• Turn off unnecessary social media notifications.
• Clear your study space of clutter.

Stay organized

• Pay attention to details and due dates. Check the announcement section on Brightspace often.
• Set up Brightspace notifications to be aware of important announcements, deadlines and grades.
• Download the Brightspace Pulse app to help manage your workload and stay up to date with your courses. It tracks dates and provides real-time updates.
• Help balance school, work and family by building time into your schedule for course work.

Avoid physical strain

Set up your study area with your physical health in mind. Consider these tips and tricks:

Set up your space

• Make sure your laptop or monitor is directly in front of you so you’re not looking up, down or to the side.
• If you wear progressive lenses, lower your monitor to view it without moving your head.
• If your monitor is too low, place it on a stack of books to elevate it.
• Use two monitors side-by-side at the same height.
• Don’t have a standing desk? Try using an ironing board.

Take care of your body

• To help avoid eye strain, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
• Reduce elbow and shoulder movements by increasing the speed of your mouse, adding desktop shortcuts to files you regularly use and using keyboard shortcuts.
• Change up your position often. Stand up, move and stretch – don’t sit still longer than an hour at a time.
• Use wireless headphones so you can move around freely if you need to.

Stay connected

• As an NSCC student, you have access to a wide range of supports and services, including free and confidential counselling. Contact your Advisor to learn how to access these supports. We’re here to help.
• Learning online through our eCampus requires independence, but it doesn’t mean you’re alone. All NSCC students can get involved in student life and Student Associations.
• Connect with your peers through Brightspace discussion boards to feel a sense of community and connection in your courses.
• Find out how to ask questions in your course. Faculty will often use discussion boards for this purpose.
• Get academic support through TutorMe, a free online tutoring service available to NSCC students; or Peer Assisted Learning Supports, a program where peers support peers in learning. Learn more about tutoring at NSCC.