It has been a year and COVID-19 continue to pose a lot of challenges for all, especially children. Feelings of stress & anxiety, restlessness, and uncertainty are commonly seen in children of all age groups. Common challenges currently faced by students, especially in higher grades are:
- Low motivation to perform
- Poor routine
- Disturbed sleep cycle
- Reduced written work
- Screen time overdose
- Lethargy/Low energy
Many children are not feeling very motivated to perform and have rather got stuck in an unhealthy routine cycle. They tend to sleep late and feel lethargic throughout the day. With the online mode of classes, interest level is going down, and the written work has drastically reduced. The immediate future goals they had set for themselves (for instance, going abroad to study) have been majorly affected.
Parents are wondering how they can help their children while the kids are trying to contemplate the numerous changes they are going through. During such challenging times, firstly, it is important to understand that one is not alone. It is very natural to feel anxious, (especially during the times of uncertainty) and everyone has their unique response to the challenging situations. Some individuals enjoy unpredictability, while for others, it can be deeply distressing. Nevertheless, each one has got a threshold point, and it is essential to build our coping skills and resilience to face the adversity confidently.
Focus on things you can control
To put an end to excessive worrying, one must make the shift from unhealthy ruminating to an active mode of problem solving. This can be done by focusing your attention and efforts on all those things that are under your control. Try not to think excessively over things that you can’t control. For instance, instead of brooding over the fact that you are unable to go abroad for higher studies, focus your energy on analyzing your options in the country.
Establish a healthy routine & goal-oriented approach
Having a routine gives us some structure and a sense of control, which is very essential during a stressful time. Although COVID-19 crisis has significantly impacted our pre-existing normal routines, we can still create our own structured routine at home.
For instance, it is important that children maintain consistency, by waking up and going to sleep at a uniform time. Broadly, short term goals (e.g. learning 2 new words every day; completing Q/A/ of a Science chapter, etc.), can be created and a sort of daily planner can be maintained, so that one feels motivated and an experience a sense of achievement when goals are achieved.
Practice Gratitude
Each one of us have significant challenges to cope up with, however, at the same time, each one of us also have immense blessings to be grateful for.
When we emphasize on things we appreciate, we create an aura of positivity around us and a peaceful mindset, which in turn helps us gain a broader perspective on life.
Believe in Yourself
Recall your past achievements and how you successfully dealt with challenges in the past. The past incidents would make you realize how things looked hopeless in the beginning, however, eventually, everything fell right in place.
With a positive attitude and a healthy mindset, you can deal with any difficulty that comes your way.
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