How to Manage Anxiety While Studying at Home During the Pandemic

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What’s the first thought that crosses your mind when you think about online classes? In a pre-pandemic era, you’d think that studying at home was all about attending lectures and completing homework assignments from the comfort of your bed. It was every student’s cherished but far-fetched dream.

Online Learning: The Real Picture

Cut to the start of 2020 and that dream didn’t look so distant after all. Students across the globe had to adjust to online lectures overnight. That’s when you realized that the reality of studying at home is far removed from what you’d imagined.

While online classes offer many advantages, they also create feelings of isolation and stress among students. Combine that with the general uncertainty of the pandemic and you have the perfect recipe for anxiety.

Despite large-scale vaccination drives, the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t showing any signs of an exit. Rising fears about the delta variant are only adding to the anxiety you’re already experiencing. It’s understandable if your motivation levels and academic performance have been affected by the pandemic.

So, how can students cope with anxiety in the middle of a raging pandemic? We’ve curated a few useful tips to help you stay focused, motivated, and stress-free while studying at home. Let’s take a look.

Reach Out for a Helping Hand

Unlike traditional classes, online learning deprives you of in-person interactions with professors. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help when you get stuck with a particular homework question or assignment. Most professors would be more than willing to walk you through these stressful times.

Make sure you talk to professors if you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming test or assignment deadline. Ask for their help in finding useful resources and study materials. If you’ve got doubts about a particular concept taught in class, approach your professor in person to clarify your queries.

Alternatively, you could also check out various online forums, such as HomeworkMarket, to connect with experienced and resourceful subject matter experts. They can help you understand the intricacies of complex concepts. Also, they’ll walk you through the process of solving complex homework questions.

If you check out HomeworkMarket.com reviews, you’ll find that students from various countries have used the platform to seek guidance. They’ve benefited from the expertise and insight of skilled online tutors. The platform is particularly useful when your professors aren’t approachable after class hours.

Add Structure to Your Life

By now, you’ve likely been lectured about the importance of a daily routine a zillion times. Unfortunately, no one tells you how you’re supposed to stick to the routine when you’re studying at home. It’s easy to lose sight of things and end up spending the entire day in bed when there’s no professor watching your actions.

Needless to say, an inactive and indisciplined lifestyle will take a toll on your physical and mental health.

If you’ve been struggling to follow the daily routine you created months before, try changing things one step at a time. Start by creating a dedicated study space in your home. Ideally, it should be situated away from your bedroom. If that isn’t possible, make sure you have a separate desk and chair in one corner of your room.

Next, set small achievable goals every day. Assess your current mental state and set goals that won’t aggravate your anxiety. Reward yourself with extra leisure time, snacks, or a word of praise for accomplishing your daily goals.

Get Moving

“All work and no play makes Jack a…” – you know where this is headed. If you spend your entire day attending lectures, completing homework, and preparing for tests, it’ll adversely affect your mental health. Make sure you find time for some form of physical activity between various classes.

Go out for a walk in the evening or practice yoga early in the morning. It’ll be even better if you follow a proper exercise routine. Apart from keeping your body fit, exercise facilitates the production of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in your brain. That, in turn, improves your focus and attention.

If the idea of an exercise routine doesn’t appeal to you, try finding a physical activity that you enjoy. You can choose from various activities, such as dancing, swimming, cycling, etc.

On days when you aren’t up for sweating, try organizing your room and study space. It’ll offer you a welcome break from your regular routine and help calm your nerves. Similarly, running household errands, doing the dishes, and cleaning up your home will help keep the nerves and jitters away.

Enjoy Guilt-Free Cheat Days

Mentally juggling classes, assignments, household chores, and exercise will often overwhelm you. Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re stuck in a rut after a few weeks of following your regular routine. Instead of dragging yourself through the rut, take a break to do something you enjoy.

You could start pursuing a new hobby or connect with your friends. You could even spend an entire day watching your favorite movies and web series. The key is to allow yourself to unwind without feeling the guilt of ditching your daily routine.

What steps are you following to cope with the nerves and jitters of online classes? Share your suggestions in the comments section below.