| |
Singapore, 21 November 2002
Relaxation techniques for the e-learner |
In part two of our three part series on managing technostress, we focus on relaxation techniques.
Technostress is when a combination of reactions that occur due to a heightened state of arousal. The opposite of arousal is relaxation, so it stands to reason that when we are experiencing symptoms of technostress, we could counter them by consciously engaging in relaxation techniques.
There are a wide variety of ways to achieve relaxation. Experiment with what works for you. Here are some of the possible techniques you can try.
- Meditation - Mental concentration on something other than the irritating circumstance.
- Deep Breathing - This technique is often used as an aid to meditation. The idea is to focus on breathing deeply and regularly. It helps focus attention away from the stressful circumstance.
- Neuromuscular Relaxation - In this technique, concentrate on your muscles by first tensing them and then consciously relaxing them. This can be very effective while sitting in front of the computer screen for long sessions. Take time out occasionally to check for tense muscles, then spend a few minutes relaxing them.
- Visualization - This technique involves thinking about and "seeing" oneself in a less stress-inducing environment. Pick a fantasy - walking along the beach, taking a leisurely stroll through the woods, sitting in front of the balcony facing the sea (lucky you if your house or apartment faces one)
- Music and Mood - My personal favourite is creating a "mood" while I am studying. Have soothing music playing in the background, a comfortable chair and a clean desk. Arrange your study area in a way that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Healthy living
Most distance education students have responsibilities beyond their studies. Most likely you would be in a job or family obligations. Studying is an additional burden and stress producer. Problems encountered as a result of technology can put you "over the edge."
Healthy living implies taking care of yourself - getting proper nutrition, exercise and rest. It should also include physical and mental variety. We need to make time in our busy schedules for the things we love to do. Engage in a favourite sport, go for a walk, work in the garden, or whatever makes your spirit soar. Have an activity to look forward to when studying gets you down.
Cultivating a positive attitude
It is hard to remain positive when it seems that nothing is going as hoped. The use of positive "self-talk" (telling yourself that everything is going to be fine) has been demonstrated to be an effective coping strategy.
It also helps to know that we are not the only ones experiencing technostress. Stress reactions to technology are a natural part of living in this age. Until technology becomes glitch-free, we can only expect an increase in technostress.
Try to remember times when you have had a technological problem that you managed to figure out. Focus on these positive experiences. Draw upon them when a new challenge is faced. Knowing that we have succeeded in the past can bolster our confidence.
In the last segment of managing technostress, we will feature Time Management as well as techniques to de-stress. Look out for it!
About Informatics Group
The Informatics Group, established in 1983, is a multinational corporation providing training and educational services in information technology and business management. Through its international franchising program and strategic acquisitions, Informatics presently has a global network of more than 548 centres spanning 44 countries.
The company presently offers five franchise products: Informatics Computer School, Thames Business School, CAL Computer Training Centre, Cambridge Child Development Centre and RACC. For more information, please visit http://www.informaticsgroup.com.
About PurpleTrain.com
PurpleTrain.com is the e-learning service provider which offers a one-stop service for business and IT education programs, corporate training courses and education-related services.
By combining innovative technology with world-class training content, PurpleTrain.com offers companies and individuals a high value, quality and effective on-line training solution. Over 1000 online courses are available, offering masters, degrees, diplomas and certificates in business and IT programs. Our online learning community now stands at over 67,000 users.
PurpleTrain.com is a 100%-owned venture of Informatics Holdings Limited, a leading training and education provider listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. Informatics Holdings Limited is the only IT-based education provider in Singapore that made the ranking among Forbes Global's 200 Best Small Companies in the world.
For more information, please contact :
Andrew Yap
Communications & PR Manager
PurpleTrain.com
Email : pr@purpletrain.com
Website : www.purpletrain.com
www.informaticsgroup.com
To subscribe, send a blank email to: subscribe@purpletrain.com
To unsubscribe, send a blank email to: unsubscribe@purpletrain.com
All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of
their respective owners. Certain of the statements in this press release
are forward-looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and
uncertainties. The actual results may differ from those described or contemplated.
Copyright © 2002. All Rights Reserved. PurpleTrain.com Pte Ltd.
|
