Participate 4.1.3 Digital Health Quest
When I first started teaching online, I had terrible health habits when it related to work. I would sit on the couch with my laptop all day long. I would often find that I had not even changed position for several hours. I would ignore my telephone if it rang. I would find that I kept my shoulders tight and high up to my ears. I even gained weight. When I noticed that my clothes were tighter, I started noticing these other behaviors as well. I started with my shoulders. I would take notice of how high they were and intentionally lower them as I noticed. I don't hunch them any more! My husband bought me a foot bike that fits under your desk, and I started using it. If I tried to use it while on the couch, my knees would bump my laptop. So, I had to move to the kitchen table or a desk. This forced me to sit more upright and change positions throughout the day. In addition, I don't ignore the phone. I get up to answer it if it rings, just to make sure I'm not sitting too long. I drink lots of water so I have to get up to use the restroom often. I break up the computer work with chores or errands. But, I have to keep aware of all these things or I will often find myself going back to my old habits. I know that I feel better if I get up and have a change of pace!
I have not thought to share some of these habits of good health and balance with my students. Everything I read as I researched this topic said to limit screentime for children to no more than 2 hours per day. This obviously does not work for online students. Some ideas I came up with are that may help to at least break up the day to prevent sedentary computer work are listed below. I can share these with my students.
I have not thought to share some of these habits of good health and balance with my students. Everything I read as I researched this topic said to limit screentime for children to no more than 2 hours per day. This obviously does not work for online students. Some ideas I came up with are that may help to at least break up the day to prevent sedentary computer work are listed below. I can share these with my students.
- Take your computer outside. Sit on the porch to work!
- Go to a different location, like the library.
- Get up at least every hour and do something different, even if it is just a walk around your house.
- Print your content and study the old fashioned way, from paper!