Remote Learning Tips

By Lisa Shanken

August 24, 2020

With so many schools going online this fall, I thought it would be a good idea to look at the pros and cons of remote learning, and also provide tips on how to overcome the challenges that may be giving you (and your child) additional stress.*

* One of which is considering a support pod for your child, which I'm excited to announce we now offer (based on huge demand!).

After scouring many articles and interviews from students' perspectives, I was alarmed by what I found:

It is hurting my mental health and making me "feel more mentally exhausted" even though I am less active.
I don't feel I am getting the help I need even when I ask questions over Zoom. I have "fewer resources for help."
It's very hard to stay motivated and focused to do school work at home.

In addition, other problems with online learning include:

Increased screen time
Lack of socialization
Lack of access to meals and other resources many students depend on
Less overall structure
Decreased physical fitness

Besides the very obvious benefit of keeping children and teachers safe, there aren't many pros to online learning (unless you count your child's likely enjoyment of sleeping later!).

It's too soon to point to evidence-based studies with conclusions on the long-term impact of remote learning, but we can implement skills and tools to help now.

Here are some ideas you might find helpful:

Time management is often more difficult for teens feeling less motivated and focused at home. I recommend using a timer to help your child focus during periods dedicated to school work, as well for structured breaks. You can use a kitchen timer, or the Time Timer is great! 
Take active breaks specifically intended for moving your body, which can greatly improve concentration, focus, attention, and mood by boosting dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin production in the brain. You can find short workouts on YouTube, do a few yoga postures, take a walk, or try this quick little circuit to get your heart pumping: 20 jumping jacks > 20 squats > 10 pushups > repeat twice.
Create a daily structured plan and schedule, which doesn't need to be limited only to school work. For example, wake up > breakfast > go for a walk or exercise > school/homework > break for lunch > school/homework > video chat with friends > chores > dinner > bathe > leisure/social time > read > bed. 
Consider enrolling your child into a learning or support pod to maintain a sense of normalcy and structure, provide a more hands-on learning approach, and limit screen time. Pods vary greatly so you can find one that meets your child's needs. For example, they may be led by a teacher who follows your school district's curriculum. Or they may have specific focuses, such as academic support, tutoring, socialization, fitness/wellness, college prep, and more. Pods generally consist of a small group of kids led by a teacher, tutor, coach, or parent and meet a few times per week.

At Tri-Wellness, we specialize in helping teens and adults overcome poor executive functioning skills, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disabilities. We still offer these services, but we are excited to now offer Tri-Wellness support pods.

Unlike straight academic pods that follow your child's curriculum, Tri-Wellness pods are focused on addressing remote learning challenges, such as managing school work, helping with feelings of isolation, avoiding procrastination, and maintaining good study habits.

Tri-Wellness pods will empower middle school, high school, and college students to thrive academically, socially, mentally, and physically during these unprecedented times.

Please click here to see if Tri-Wellness pods are a good fit for your child!

Have a happy, healthy day!

Lisa Shanken

My passion is to help you live your healthiest and most harmonious life, but in a way that’s realistic and practical for you as a unique individual on this planet. My philosophy is all about “balance,” never a diet since a diet is not sustainable for life, aka Kill The Diet.

Spring Cleansing

By Lisa Shanken

March 31, 2023

Hooray, spring is officially here! Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and starting over. Our bodies start to adjust to the warming weather, and we shift our diets from hearty warming foods to lighter spring foods such as arugula, asparagus, artichokes, and peas. With the season of regrowth and...

Read Article

Supporting Things Close To Your Heart

By Lisa Shanken

February 24, 2023

Happy February (and almost the end of winter!). This month I was lucky enough to be part of the Wellness At Sea program on Jam Cruise, a very special 6 night music festival at sea. Many of you know that some of my greatest passions in life include wellness and...

Read Article

Testimonials

Lisa’s weight loss plan really gave me a new insight to healthy eating and living. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2015. Healthy living/easting/exercise has become very important to me and my family and this program really helped me get even more on the course with this and helped me lose weight.

Danielle D, Great Neck, NY

When I heard about the 10 Day Weight Loss Challenge, I wasn’t sure if it would be a good fit, since as a physician, I understand nutrition and health (and therefore knew the dangers of fad diets, etc…), and I do my best to exercise (though not always enough). But as a single mother of 2, it’s still very challenging ti “fit in all in” (including cooking healthy meals for my children) due to my busy schedule. And when my time is short, bad habits crop up and weight gain follows.

Dr. Gila Ackerman, Boulder, CO

Psychiatrist

Lisa has made an enormous contribution to my health and strength. I have seen and felt the most fantastic changes in an amazingly short time.

Chessie F, Boulder, CO

I just wanted to say you were amazing through this 10 day process! I learned so much from you! You were very thorough in all areas of the challenge and got back to us in such a quick manner with our questions. It was a great jump start into a more healthy life style that’s for sure!

Colby E, Boulder, Colorado

I LOVE the recipes, simple, few ingredients, appealing. I like the idea of using the list of staples you provided when i was tempted to cheat!

Phyliss S, Spring House, PA

I worked with Lisa to develop a holistic wellness plan that has allowed personal growth without having to completely change my lifestyle. Her programs are designed around your personal needs, so I always feel like I've gotten the most from my sessions and leave with manageable goals. Lisa's three-prong approach to wellness (fitness, nutrition and health) is helping me live a balanced and grateful life.

Ali S., Boulder, CO

I’ve been through the ringer with different dieting plans through the years. Some helped me lose weight and some didn’t – but it didn’t matter because I would always gain it back. I didn’t know if this 10 day Weight Loss Challenge would be the answer since everyone says they have the “BEST” way to lose weight. But this one seemed to be more doable – like instead of starving myself, keeping track of calories (“been there done that – VERY annoying!”) and things I know I wouldn’t stick to.

Jill W, Park, NY

Lisa, you have been a very positive role model for me! Through the exercise and diet I’m becoming healthy and more positive about my life!!! Thanks!

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule An Appointment