Over the past couple of months, people have become more reliant on technology than ever before due to COVID-19.

When it comes to Mohawk College specifically, most classes are currently being offered virtually and the College recently announced this format will continue for the Winter 2021 semester.

And when it comes to the MSA, majority of the Association’s services and offerings have gone virtual.

Majority of the MSA’s services are still being offered virtually.

While the MSA encourages all Mohawk students to get involved with what the Association has happening virtually, we understand that spending too much time on your screen can be taxing. With that said, here are 10 things you can do if you’re finding you need a break from your screen.

1. Go for a walk

Although you’ve probably heard the common benefits of walking time and time again, we’re going to give you a recap anyway.

Not only will walking give your eyes and mind a break from the screen you’ve probably been staring at for the past several hours, but it will also get your muscles moving and allow you to think more clearly when you do have to hop back onto the computer.

2. Call a family member or a friend

Do you have someone you need to catch up with? Give them a call on your lunch break, close your eyes, and just relax while you chat!

3. Read a book

This may not work for everyone (especially if the book has smaller print, it may be just as jarring on your eyes as a computer), however, it is still worth testing out. Although classes are online, your day still may feel quite hectic between attending Zoom lectures, answering emails, and completing assignments.

Reading is a great way to slow and calm yourself down when things feel too chaotic.

4. Take a lunch break

Take a lunch break – an actual lunch break. Make some food and step away from your computer and enjoy it.

5. Do some small tedious tasks

Need to throw in a quick load of laundry or take out the garbage? If you’re feeling a little slouchy or notice your eyes feeling heavy, this may be a good time to step away from the screen for five or 10 minutes to complete these tasks.

6. Make or evaluate your to-do list

If you are someone who works off of to-do lists and you’re feeling a little tired of looking at your screen it may be a good idea to evaluate your to-do list. What have you completed? Do you need to add anything? Push something to tomorrow? Take five minutes to analyze whether your list is up-to-date. If you don’t typically make to-do lists, why not start? Take five minutes to write (yes, physically write – i.e. don’t make a list on your phone or computer) everything you need and want to accomplish.

Not only will this give your eyes and mind a screen break, but it will also help you be more productive!

Having a to-do list is a great way to stay organized.

7. Meditate

The idea of meditation may seem off-putting at first because there are so many ways to do it, however, this may work in your favour because there are no wrong ways! So, (if you’re new to it) do some reason to find out which method/how meditating will work best for you.

Once you get the hang of it, it is a great way to get off the computer and destress and reset your mind when you have some downtime during the day.

8. Doodle

Similar to the concept of meditating, there is no wrong way to doodle. Grab some paper and a pen or pencil and just let your mind wander on the page. Along with getting you away from the screen, doodling can also be a great way to get your creative juices flowing or to get your focus re-centred if you’re struggling to stay on task (just make sure you time yourself and you’re not doodling the day away).

9. Colour

Adult colouring books were all the rage for a while but for a good reason. Like doodling, not only will colouring get you away from your screen for a few minutes but it will also get your creative juices flowing and get your mind active in a different way than your classes might.

10. Take a short nap

Like taking a walk, this idea may seem simple but it is incredibly effective. Sometimes you may not even realize how much being on your computer is draining you. A short nap will get you away from your screen for several minutes and also give you the energy boost you may need to get through the day.

Taking a short nap may just give you the energy you need.

You may only end up trying and using one of the ideas listed above or you may end up using all of them. Regardless, after you’ve taken some time away from your digital device to relax and ease your eyes you’ll be ready to jump back into your online learning, and all of the virtual services and events the MSA has to offer!

Written by: Paige Petrovsky

MSA Copywriter