COVID-19 has resulted in uncertain times for parents and children, prompting stress about family member’s health and safety, as well as upending school and work routines. The current situation may prove even harsher for students who were gearing up to begin their college life after their board exams and students who are already pursuing higher education programs but missing on their campus life due to the lockdown.

Institutions are putting their best foot forward to ensure that the education of their students continues in the best possible manner, however, students also have an important role to play when it comes to taking care of their mental health and overcome issues related to anxiety and stress. From the comfort of their fixed routine, fun classes, caring teachers, the life of students has drastically changed to being cooped up in their homes under lockdown thus provoking stress and anxiety among them. 

 Research says that Stress and anxiety are the natural outcomes of the Covid-19 pandemic that has spread to all the nations of the world and has affected more than 2.6 million people. 

Here are the few things that students should strive for while coping up with the lockdown.

1) Be kind to yourself: Students should engage themselves in things that they enjoy doing the most. They should make an attempt to find some interesting things to do and also interesting people to connect with. Taking time out to connect with families and friends will help them to get distracted from the negative thoughts and create a positive environment.

2) Be agile: Many schools are gearing up for the future of education. Online platforms have proved to be a successful model for the ones who have implemented them. The world has changed and students have to be agile enough to keep up with it. Students should garner all the benefits from online platforms to sharpen their skills for the future.

3) Upskilling like never before: Students should use this time to upskill themselves. This is the right moment for the students who are gearing up to begin their college life to strengthen their technical skills and soft skills to become job-ready.

4) Engage with your mentor: In these times of uncertainty, the guidance of mentors is equally important. Through various online platforms, students should constantly stay in touch with their mentors. They could be their teachers, career counselors, or life-long mentors. Sharing concerns, asking questions about how to do better, taking feedback wherever possible will help students to regain their potency.

5) Wear your creative hat: Students have to strike a balance between online and offline activities. The rule of thumb should be – what can be done offline should be avoided online. Recreational activities like singing, dancing, playing an instrument, painting, or doing craftwork should be totally undertaken offline.  A family workout, music medley, deep cleaning, or cooking session would double the fun quotient.

If students are having a hard time coping with stress, they should definitely try out these above-mentioned tips to reduce their anxiety and help them relax. 

Treat this lockdown as a gift! A time for reflection and exploration!