Online School causing aches and pains for students

It has only been about a month, and this school year has been like none other already. A lot of post-secondary students are taking full course loads online and the problems are mounting. One are of concern is the physical aspect of it all. For many, online classes are starting to cause aches and pains in the body that were never there before. This is due to the large amount of time spent inside on their computers. Countless hours of zoom calls. Not to mention the assignments, as well as studying for tests and exams.

Tiffany Vitez, a local Registered Massage Therapist says she is already seeing the effects online classes are having on her clients.

“Right now we’re seeing a lot of people coming in with back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain. Very healthy, active people who would never experience this. With everything were seeing there is no comfortable way to work at home without a proper desk, chair and everything else. We’re seeing a lot of pain, which is never great. Especially in young healthy people.”

The benefits of massage therapy can be immense for students. Vitez mentioned it can help relieve tension in muscles. As well as alleviate stress and anxiety.

For those who cannot afford or simply don’t have access to a masseuse, or other types of physical therapy, there are still plenty of options.

“Yoga is great! You can do YouTube yoga, it’s always wonderful. Plenty of stretching routines, you know you can google anything. Drinking lots of water does help, and taking breaks from studying. If you start feeling pain, take a break from the pain.”

With plenty of school left this year, and the uncertainty of whether students will be able to return to classrooms, it is essential they take of their bodies. Students, and teachers, should take some time out of their day to stretch and relax their bodies and minds.