The abrupt arrival of Covid-19 has introduced millions of students to an online school system. With the consistent use of Zoom to virtually attend classes, students are left feeling a roller coaster of emotions. There’s no doubt that the consistent use of technology (especially zoom) can cause fatigue on a number of levels.

While Zoom has revolutionized online learning, the struggles and negative effects of being online all day persist. Since this is still a new reality that people are trying to cope with, there is a high level of anxiety surrounding it. Whether it’s stress from speaking in front of the class, having the video camera on, being put into breakout rooms, or even adjusting to the new technology, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. The general awkwardness of attending class from a personal space can cause a strain on students’ mental health. Though Zoom classes can be a nice excuse to stay in pajamas, it is simply not the same as sitting in a real classroom with peers. Sophomore Melissa Holland said, “Sometimes using Zoom for classes can be tiring because of how repetitive it can be. Especially on the days where I have no in-person classes and all zoom lectures, it can be mentally draining to sit through hours of it.”

 Whether it’s the walk to class, the morning routine, or even having a physical classmate sitting close, these little things matter when it comes to having a successful learning experience. Sitting in the same environment for an extended period of time can cause both emotional and physical drainage. Staring at a screen for hours can be harmful to the eyes and can be especially exhausting when your Zoom classes are back to back.  According to Dr. Nigar Kirmani, a professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis , “people have to concentrate on pictures and videos and that can cause eye strain and headaches.”

Online learning may seem like a never-ending cycle of exhaustion, but there are some ways to help and to work through fatigue. When it comes to anxiety, everybody copes in their own way, but practicing general self-care can lessen the effects of burnout or fatigue. Working through breathing exercises to calm the nerves or even doing simple meditation can prevent anxiety from becoming unmanageable.

This same anxiety may also be present for situations like being placed into breakout rooms and speaking in front of the class. Zoom anxiety can cause feelings of embarrassment and the fear of being judged by peers. Oftentimes, this is not the case. It is normal to have anxiety about sharing input in group settings. While this feeling can be isolating, it is important to keep in mind that many other students are experiencing this as most universities are transitioning to hybrid and online learning. 

Another common source of anxiety is having the camera on during a Zoom meeting or class. A study published in the “Behavior Research and Therapy” journal, shows that humans have the tendency to look at themselves in the camera rather than at the other people in the call. Sometimes consistently looking at oneself can increase anxiety levels and even distract from the task at hand. One tip to help prevent this is to change the layout of the Zoom meeting so you aren’t even able to see your screen. This can help avoid any urges to look at yourself and help you focus on the purpose of the meeting.

It is also easy to feel unmotivated to work as a result of the lack of a physical classroom. Replicating a “normal” school day is difficult when managing a back-to-back Zoom class schedule, but maintaining a daily routine at home is an important part in getting the most out of an online learning experience. Typical habits like setting an alarm, looking put-together, and eating and drinking often will provide a sense of normalcy. In between classes or meetings, it is important to take a break and stretch or take a walk. Maintaining self-care during an online-heavy school day can help lessen the effects of Zoom fatigue over time. 

Ramadan is one of the most sacred months for Muslims, as it is filled with fasting, prayers and reflections on what to be grateful for. This time is also very cherished by communities because it brings together people of all different backgrounds to celebrate one commonality: Islam. 

Because of the coronavirus outbreak, it has been extremely difficult for the regular Ramadan events to take place. For example, every night after Iftar—the time to break your fast—Muslims from the community head to a mosque and usually spend up until Suhoor—the time to start your fast—praying Taraweeh. Taraweeh is a specific prayer that only occurs in the month of Ramadan and is usually done every night in order to seek forgiveness for previous sins. This is an exceptionally spiritual time as dozens of Muslims are united together in the face of God to ask for redemption. Due to the rules of physical distancing this is no longer possible and many Muslims will have to pray Taraweeh at home. 

Luckily, the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis has released a schedule of how the regular Ramadan Programming will continue online. Although this online transition is an admirable move, there is no better feeling than the influence of your whole community in one place strengthening your religion and personal growth as a Muslim. This is also the first time since it’s opening that the Kaaba—a holy site located for Muslims—is closed, for obvious safety measures. Although the decision was made with good intentions, it is heartbreaking to see such a holy site completely empty. 

Aside from the alteration of events of Ramadan, it is also important to note the groups inside the Muslim community being directly affected. Muslim health care workers are also working on the frontline during this pandemic and it is difficult to fast while working to combat a life threatening virus. Considering fasting is more than a twelve hour commitment, these health care professionals are at crossroads of whether or not to fast. Another group that, of course, is directly affected are those infected with the virus. In Islam it is advised to only fast if you are able. If you have the coronavirus, the result of fasting will likely weaken your immune system and worsen your case. The World Health Organization has also put out information regarding Ramadan Guidelines during this time. 

Considering one of the main themes of this holy month is giving back—known as Sadaqah or Zakat—under normal circumstances many Mosques will put together meals with the community and give them out to homeless individuals. Because of social-distancing rules, this is no longer possible; however, there are still other ways to help. These are a few ways you can help the community—Muslim or not—during this time:

• Mideast Market is donating Iftar Dinners for the cost of $8 per meal. If you would like to donate a meal you can text 636-299-6719 and state your name. You can pay with Venmo, cash, or check.
• Islamic Relief USA is giving people the option to donate Ramadan Food Packages to families or to just donate in general.

With the new stay at home orders and social distancing rules set in place, people around the nation have been affected physically, mentally and emotionally. With the consequences of this pandemic, there have also been many influential social figures who have taken a step forward to lessen the burdens on Americans. These are a few individuals who have helped ease the stress during these chaotic times.

John Krasinski 

Although the news of this pandemic has created a negative atmosphere in the nation, John Krasinski has managed to shine a little light on the darker days. The actor and producer has recently launched a new Youtube channel titled “Some Good News.” Each episode recaps some of the happy news that may be overshadowed due to the virus. From addressing sports highlights to thanking healthcare workers, Krasinski is spreading smiles one episode at a time from his home. The channel currently has 1.79 million views and is continuing to grow every single day.

Justin Baldoni

Justin Baldoni is best known for his job as an actor, however, he is also a leading figure in standing up for mental health and other social justice issues. When this pandemic hit the United States, Baldoni knew how much of a toll it would take on many individuals’ mental health. On Instagram, Baldoni has been going live at night weekly to talk with followers. The reason he chooses to go live at night is because “that’s when anxiety and depression hit the hardest” he states in the caption of an Instagram post. Along with going live, he constantly sends out mental health tips and continues the fight against the stigmas behind it. 

Hasan Minhaj

The star of the hit Netflix show “Patriot Act,” Hasan Minhaj has been adding a comedic outlet for our daily lives. Considering the production of “Patriot Act” is at a halt, Minhaj has been creating little skits from his house and posting them on Instagram TV.  Even amongst all the chaos happening in the world, Minhaj has found a way to continue the show just at a smaller scale. The show features a segment called “Deep Cuts’ where the show host answers questions directly from the audience. With the new at home production, Minhaj has been accepting “Deep Cut” questions to answer. Although fans are sad about the delayed premier of the new season, the show from home is still quality content. 

Josh Gad

The famous voice of Olaf, Josh Gad, has used his role from the “Frozen” movies to voice skits at home. The new series titled “#OlafAtHome” is a collection of short clips that follow the life of Olaf during this pandemic. The clips are made with Gad voicing Olaf and all the producers and editors working from home. This is the perfect distraction for all Disney and Olaf fans. Aside from the clips, Gad has been going live on social media platforms to read children’s books before bedtime. Considering many parents are still having to work from home, it can be difficult to give their undivided attention to their kids. This is the perfect solution for parents who are having difficulty navigating social isolation with their kids. 

Musical Artists: (Online Concerts)

Considering all concerts have been canceled for at least the beginning of summer, fans are disappointed they won’t be able to experience live music in an arena with their favorite artists. To make up for this, many musicians have turned to online concerts through their social media accounts and are even donating all funds to charities. Artists like Shawn Mendes, Camilla Cabello, John Legend and Chrissy Tiegen have held concerts on Instagram live where fans can tune in for free and watch the artist perform their hits. Miley Cyrus has even gone as far as to start a talk show called “Bright Minded,” where she features other celebs and gives tips to her viewers. Other musicians have also been going on Instagram live at random times just to sing some tunes and stay connected to fans. Although these concerts have happened already, these are two major events occurring in the near future: 

• April 18 – Lady Gaga is hosting an online global broadcast in collaboration with WHO and Global Citizen. There will be appearances by Billie Eilish, Finneas, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Lizzo, Stevie Wonder and more. The event will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and various other streaming sites. 

• April 22 – New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund is hosting an online concert featuring Charlie Puth, Halsey, SZA and many more will make appearances. It will begin at  7:00 p.m. ET on Apple Music.

When everyone is stuck inside their homes and practicing social distancing, you don’t get the opportunity to see the people you normally do on a regular basis. Whether it’s friends or families, it can get tiring doing the same things with the same people in your house. Here are a few ways that you can stay in touch and interact with the people you miss while still social distancing. 

Netflix Party:

This extension to Google Chrome gives Netflix users the opportunity to watch the same thing at the same times as anyone who joins the party. The way it works is by having one member of the group begin the party and send the link to anyone else who wants to join. While the movie or TV show is playing, a chat room appears on the side. The chat room gives members the ability to discuss and react to whatever is playing. This is a very useful application as it prevents any glitches or delays that may occur while screen sharing on other applications. So when you miss having movie nights, this is the perfect way to stay connected.

Multiplayer Games:

It may seem like a simple solution, but that’s because it is. Online multiplayer games have been around long before any of the advanced technology we have now. Multiplayer games are some good ways to escape your boredom. Whether it’s on a computer or on your phone, you can get a group of friends together online and play a challenging game.

Find a Penpal:

One of the best ways to stay social and also continue making friends is to find a penpal, or even just send letters to your friends. If you’re like me, then you agree that there’s something special when you are delivered a handwritten note. Many schools and libraries have started programs where people are given a penpal to talk to during a stressful time like this. If you plan on sending and receiving letters make sure to sanitize it properly.

Interact At Home:

This last option actually involves interacting with the people that you are self-quarantined with. Although it gets boring in the same environment, there are ways that you add a little joy into your routine. One way is to amp up the dinner by having a themed night. You can have everyone in the house dress up according to theme and even go as far as having the food match with it. Another way is to bring out the board games. This may be a simple solution, but once you get the game going, it’s hard to stop.

In a time like this, one of the most simple ways to ease worry is to listen to some new music. Within the past month, artists have released new albums and singles seemingly in good timing for individuals who are social-distancing and need a little joy in their life. These are a few recommendations to add to your playlist:

Recent Album Releases

After Hours – The Weeknd

The Weeknd’s new album, “After Hours,” is a compilation of 14 phenomenal tracks, plus three bonus tracks on the deluxe edition. The album is a tide filled with waves of classic pop and rhythm and blues. A majority of these tracks reflect the emotions following romance, drugs, misery and sex. As the title follows, the prime time to listen to an album like this is, in fact, “After Hours.”.

Kid Krow – Conan Gray 

This indie pop gem of an album covers every single emotion in a series of 12 songs. From an upbeat sad pop hit like “Wish You Were Sober,” to tear jerkers like “Heather” and “The Story,” there are a variety of tunes under the umbrella of pop. The former youtuber combines themes of heartbreak and absence of happiness by confessing them in the form of lyrics. 

Sleepyhead – Cavetown

Robin Skinner, the name behind the artist “Cavetown,” releases his new album “Sleepyhead.”This collection of 11 songs all follow a similar indie sound that makes for a perfect soundtrack for an evening at home. A few of my personal favorite tracks include, “Sweet Tooth” and “Pyjama Pants.”

Although all of these albums are brilliant, not everyone wants to spend time digging through an album to find the tracks that best align with their tastes. Therefore, this is a list of recently released songs that are perfect to add to your playlist:

• OK – Wallows
• Things Won’t go my Way – Peach Tree Rascals
• Julia – Jeremy Zucker 
• Waste – LovelyTheBand
• Young and Alive – Bazzi
• quiet motions – mxmtoon
• Still – Niall Horan 

LINK TO PLAYLIST:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6SnJ2pROgW8vRLcgPvnUTA?si=7aD-7tfGQzK9PIoyeSYUlw