News Update

STUDENTS MUST DO THIS TO DEAL WITH PANDEMIC ANXIETY

The lockdown caused by coronavirus has created a major change in our daily life. While realizing our need to adjust to a new normal, most of us are also grappling to fight insecurity, fear, and seclusion. 

Institutions are trying their best to ensure that the education of their students continues in the best possible manner and they have all the support they need. Customized coaching sessions and online tutoring are some of the ways in which institutions are trying to keep students involved and useful. At the same time, students need to also take cognizance of their mental well-being and overcome issues related to psychological trauma. 

Here are some actionable things that students should endeavor while coping with the pandemic:

1. Be considerate to yourself

This moment in time will go by, and things will get back to near regularity soon, so don’t get too bogged down and try to involve yourself in things that you appreciate. It is a new experience to stay indoors most of the day, so discover some noteworthy things to do and also fascinating people to relate with. You must ensure that you reach out and remain in close touch with your friends and family. In extraordinary situations like severe unease, stress, and seclusion, reach out immediately for assistance. Use your institute’s online counseling, if available. This will help in diverting from negative feelings and create an optimistic atmosphere.

2. Adjust to new learning techniques

Most educational institutions are getting ready for the new future of education. Online platforms are succeeding than never before. The planet has changed and you have to be responsive enough to keep up with it. There are a lot of benefits to online learning – you can learn from anywhere in the world, from the best experts worldwide! You will be able to gain access to educational specialists which you may not have got the opportunity to interact within earlier circumstances.

3. Upgrade your skills

These times are ideal to upskill yourself, by increasing your knowledge from online courses in areas that interest you. Additionally, boosting technical and soft skills will also be vital to prepare yourself for life and your career. Learn new things like Artificial intelligence, project management, among others. This knowledge  and certification will prove to be critical in upgrading your profile, giving you an edge over others.

 

4. Engage with your mentor

In these precarious times, the direction of counselors is equally important. Online platforms such as Zoom now ensure that students can frequently remain connected with their mentors. These could be career counselors or teaching faculty. Always try to make your concerns known to them, enquire about how you could do better, take their opinion and feedback wherever feasible. Undoubtedly the lockdown has made it challenging to meet people face to face but it has facilitated the shift to online meetings with mentors and colleagues, which also simplifies the interaction and gives you more productive time to spend with them.

5. Think creatively

There is news coming every day with regard to how students are contributing in their own ways in the battle against COVID 19 – one day it is a fashion student designing economical face masks and shields for medical workers, and another day it is about a group of engineering students evolving a robot prototype model that can substitute public health workers in hospitals. Keeping this in mind, you can also come up with some ingenuity in utilizing your free time to design or execute some novel ideas. Participate in exciting competitions, create things at home. You can paint, cook, make short educational videos, let your creative juices flow!

6. Nurture community

You must not let your relationships falter in the age of social distancing. Make it a point to take time out for online get-togethers with classmates, invite friends for online gaming, enjoy online exercise, cook with friends, and check on your mentors regularly.

7. Set yourself up for success

Shorten your goals for now. But when you do that, make sure that it is something you will absolutely accomplish, and do it on priority before you start the day with something else. Foresee what challenges you will encounter, and then generate a plan. Set a reminder on your phone if required. Motivate yourself to get it done, making yourself realize why completing that assignment will make you feel better.

8. Take one small step every day

Try to mitigate the feeling of panic if you think that what you are doing is not enough, or when you think that you will not be able to do anything. You need to constantly prompt yourself that doing even one minuscule task is way better than avoiding it. A few small steps daily will turn into some big steps at the end of the week.

9. Develop acceptance

Rapid changes are occurring daily, so you are naturally going to feel anxious or worried, as there may be a range of unforeseen factors that are not in your control during this pandemic. Patience is the key here, for the things you may not be able to control. Lean in with self-compassion and self-validate that the emotions you are experiencing are absolutely normal and justified. There are many free mindfulness resources that can provide quantifiable ways to develop your talents in this area through guided meditation. 

Treat this lockdown as a once in a lifetime opportunity to reset and re-calibrate! This time is ideal for you to explore, recharge, reflect, and maybe change the course of your life! You should not forget that you may never get this time again, so make the best use of it and indulge yourself every once in a while!

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