Does Online Learning Help with Anxiety?
Online schooling helps learners reduce their anxiety levels by offering them the ability to learn at their own pace. Learners can control all aspects of their education, set their schedule, pace, and path for learning. This allows them to stay engaged on the material that interests them without being overwhelmed by work that doesn’t.
The flexibility and safe environment provided by online classes is also suitable for students suffering from depression and social phobias. Such students get the space to learn new materials and skills without the fear of judgment that often accompanies face-to-face interactions.
What Is Anxiety and What Are the Different Types of Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are characterized as excessive worry about everyday life events. Even ordinary activities can trigger intense fears and feelings of overwhelm in those with anxiety disorders.
Many people who suffer from anxiety will avoid feared situations. Unfortunately, this avoidance can lead to shame and isolation, which only exacerbates the problem.
There are three main types of anxiety: general, social, and specific.
- Generalized anxiety is a condition that causes stress in many situations, including work or school.
- Social anxiety is the fear in social situations that others may judge you in negative ways.
- Specific phobia refers to intense fear in one particular situation, such as driving on a highway or speaking in front of an audience.
What Causes Anxiety?
Some factors contribute to the overall feeling of anxiety, including genetics and brain chemistry. However, some anxiety is caused by external situations, such as school-related stressors. These triggers occur when a person’s fears are activated by the stimuli they encounter.
How Can Online Learning Help with Anxiety?
Online schooling offers learners the option to control their own learning. They can learn at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed by other students in a class or lecture hall. Learners get the flexibility to set their own schedule, avoid conflicts between schoolwork and family life, and remove themselves from external triggers that may cause stress.
Online classes can provide students with an opportunity to learn the material at their own pace, without judgmental peers or the fear of speaking in front of a large audience. This learning platform allows students to concentrate on what interests them and avoid studying areas that make them anxious.
What Are Some Tips for Reducing Anxiety?
There are several things you can do to help reduce your feelings of anxiety. These include:
- Shifting Your Mindset – Tell yourself that anxious thoughts are normal and aren’t permanent. Remind yourself that the feeling will eventually pass, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
- Reducing Physical Symptoms – Tightening muscles and hyperventilating make anxiety worse. Practice deep-breathing exercises to help calm your body’s natural response to stress.
- Accepting Imperfection – Everyone has a bad day now and then, but you can’t control everything that happens in the world around you. Remind yourself that you can’t be excellent at everything and allow yourself the room to make mistakes.
- Changing Your Thought Process – When anxious thoughts strike, try thinking about them rationally. Ask yourself questions like, “Is this situation really as bad as I think it is? Am I fabricating danger where there isn’t any?”
- Talking to Friends – Reach out for support from those you trust. There is a stigma surrounding mental health that can cause people with anxiety disorders to feel isolated and alone. Don’t be afraid to ask someone how they are or open up about your own problems. You don’t have to go through the struggle alone.
- Taking Time for Yourself – When stress and anxiety take over your life, it can be hard to even get out of bed in the morning. Give yourself permission to take a break from school work and other obligations. Even spending one hour per day doing something you enjoy will help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Why Would Someone Want to Learn Online?
Everyone has a different reason for wanting to learn online, including parents who wish to pursue continuing education opportunities and military personnel stationed around the world. Regardless of your situation, you deserve the chance to find an educational path that makes sense for your current life circumstances.
Getting Started with Online Learning
The first step in finding an online program for your needs is determining what you want to get out of it. There are a number of factors that will determine how or if online learning works for you, including:
- Your Schedule
Online courses typically require students to complete the work at their own pace rather than a strict schedule. Consider how much time you have each day and if online learning might fit into your life before getting started.
- Location
Another thing to consider is where you are physically located. Online students can attend classes from anywhere in the world, but some programs may be more challenging to complete if you’re not local. For example, an online medical assistant program would require students to visit clinics and hospitals for hands-on training experiences. If there isn’t a school in your area, you may be required to arrange your training opportunities with local professionals or travel out of state for the practical portion of the course.
- Instructors
Depending on the type of program you are interested in, one thing that makes online learning great is access to expert instructors. These teachers can share their years of expertise and help students gain the skills they need to start a new career.
- Cost
Online programs can be significantly less expensive than traditional universities. Additionally, financial aid is often available for those who qualify. However, there are some things to take into account when considering cost.
- Time
Even if online learning works for your schedule, it’s essential to consider how long the courses will take you to complete. Some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as four months, while others are designed to be spread out over the course of a year or more.
The Benefits of Online Learning
- Accessibility
One of the greatest benefits of online learning is students’ access to educational resources. These programs are accessible 24/7, so students can learn new skills at any time during the day or night. Additionally, many online universities offer students mobile applications on their smartphones and tablets for easy access to the school’s library regardless of location.
- Focus
Online programs offer many benefits for those with busy schedules or those who want to dedicate as much time as possible to learning. Online students can dedicate an entire day (or even a week) to studying and learning at their own pace without worrying about fitting in with the rest of the class.
- Flexibility
Some students may be looking for a way to earn an online diploma while working full-time. Although many programs are designed to be completed in two years or less, there are some courses that can be taken at your own pace. Because it’s considered self-paced learning, students have the chance to study at their speed without worrying about keeping up with everyone else in their class.
- Distance Learning
Additionally, students may choose to enroll in an online program if they cannot attend classes on campus (for example, if they need to be home with small children during the day). No matter where you are located, there is likely an online university that can help you earn your degree or certificate.
- The Career Factor
Finally, online learning provides students with the opportunity to begin their new career path as soon as possible. For many people, it can be challenging to find time in their schedule for school while also working full-time. Luckily, when you earn an online degree or certificate, you don’t have to sacrifice your career advancement to pursue educational opportunities.
Earning A High School Diploma Online
Online high school diploma programs are designed specifically for adults who never graduated from high school or didn’t complete their degree when they were in high school. Earning a GED or high school equivalency diploma online is a great way to get the education you need to move ahead with your life and career.
What Can You Do With A High School Diploma Online?
The best thing about earning a high school diploma online is that it opens the door to college, career training programs, and education opportunities. According to CNBC, high school graduates earn a median of $1.6 million annually, compared to $1.2 million for those who have not graduated.
How Can I Earn My High School Diploma?
- GED
The first method by which you can earn a high school diploma is bypassing the General Educational Development (GED) test. This standardized exam assesses a student’s knowledge in five different subject areas: math, writing, science, social studies, and literature. Passing this exam will allow you to receive your traditional high school diploma.
- Work Your Way
The second way you can earn your high school diploma is through an accredited online private high school. These schools are designed to teach students the same knowledge and information they would receive in a traditional classroom setting. But, instead of attending classes in person, these courses are available for you to complete when it’s convenient for you.
- High School Diploma Program
Finally, you can earn your high school diploma online by enrolling in a program specifically designed for adults. Once you complete these courses and pass the final exams, you will be awarded your diploma and move forward with your career and education.
How Can You Earn Your Diploma Online?
Join High School of America’s cutting-edge educational experience. With HSOA’s online high school diploma program, you can attend class from anywhere, at any time! Learn more about our online high school diploma program today!
College Prep Online
Online college prep courses for high school equivalency and adult learners.
Earning your degree or certificate doesn’t have to take a long time, and what better way to do it than by completing your degree online? Online college programs offer flexible class schedules, allowing you to earn your degree from home. There are also costs associated with attending traditional colleges, so completing an online degree or certificate may be more cost-effective. Earning your high school diploma online can also open doors to new career opportunities.
Dual Enrollment
Dual-enrollment courses are offered through the Virtual Learning Academy at the High School of America. This program is meant to allow students enrolled in High School of America’s high school diploma program to take college courses concurrently. Dual enrollment credits may be used toward a person or business/industry certification or associate degree requirements.
Advanced Placement
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AP exams are offered through the Virtual Learning Academy at the High School of America. Students enrolled in High School of America’s high school diploma program and who graduate with a certificate can participate. AP courses and exams allow students to receive college credit based on their scores or take university-level courses.