Study Fatigue and You

Big news all over the media this week. British psychologists point out a link between web use and depression.

Are their study results exaggerated? Let’s take a look.

At GRAD2B, students are our number one concern— and this study should alert all students to guard their body, as well as their minds.

The connection between body and mind is well-known. If the mind or the body is overemphasized by a bad habit, then the other suffers, and affects the first.

Surfing the web is sedentary. You sit there and vege out, your body does, anyway. While your brain races at top speed.

Leeds University researchers said (in the Psychopathology Journal), found heavy web users much more likely to be depressed than non-addicted users.

(Their questionnaire-based study included 1,319 young people and adults— data from UK-based social networking sites. The study used the “Beck Depression Inventory“, questions measuring the severity of depression. Their age range was 16 to 51 years, with a mean age of 21.24.)

The University’s Institute of Psychological Sciences found that 18 people who completed the questionnaire – 1.4% of the total – were internet addicts.

Only 18? Out of 1,319? Hmmm…

“Our research indicates that excessive internet use is associated with depression, but what we don’t know is which comes first – are depressed people drawn to the internet or does the internet cause depression?” the article’s lead author, Dr Catriona Morrison, said.

Okay, in a study involving 1,319 people, you would expect at least 18 or probably more, to already be clinically depressed. But let’s keep moving…

The mean age of the 18 internet addicts (13 male and 5 female) was 18.3 years. Dr Morrison added, “What is clear is that, for a small subset of people, excessive use of the internet could be a warning signal for depressive tendencies.”

Instead of getting out and socializing, or taking a break to run, walk, ride a bike, the study showed that the small group of “addicts” spent lots of their web time browsing sex sites, gaming sites and online communities.

“This study reinforces the public speculation that over-engaging in websites that serve to replace normal social function might be linked to psychological disorders like depression and addiction,” Morrison said.

It’s plain to see that anything, including web time, or study time, carried to excess, can be counter-productive.

This study obviously over-emphasies the “addictive” effect of the web. But it is very useful to point out the impact of sedentary habits on the energy patterns of a serious student.

Between long study periods, you need to get out, exercise, meet friends face to face, hang out and give your mind time to catch up. When you get back to your studies you’ll find renewed energy, and a fresh focus that boosts your study effectiveness.

If you ignore your body, your physical energy falls and your mind suffers. In turn, then your body suffers the neglect of the mind itself— you can feel down, depressed, easily fatigued. And so on, in a down-turning spiral syndrome.

The result puts you deep into an energy hole. Your mind requires that energy, and it can only come from a good diet and good exercise. Energy drinks can’t make up for lack of exercise.

Students use the web for socializing, shopping, and many other things, as well as for study. Long study periods at the computer, or reading, exaggerate the body-mind dysfunction.

For you 1.4% who show signs of depression, get out and take a walk, say hello to some people, okay? ( The sex and gambling sites will still be there. And so will your studies!)

For students, exercise breaks— during long study periods— can boost you moods as well as your grades.

A good mind/body balance will keep your energy high and your intellect bright over the long haul— all the way to graduation, and beyond!

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