It’s hard not to join the hype that is the pandemic CoVID-19. University campuses are vacant, grocery store shelves are devoid of food, governors are encouraging businesses to engage employees with work-from-home assignments, and you can cut the panic and anxiety in the air with a knife. When states of emergency occur, it can feel hard to focus and concentrate on the things that matter most.
Worry and fear creep in. Yes, preparation for such events is key; however, life will go on after the pandemic panic dies down. Keeping up with your studiesamidst the hustle and bustle of everyone running around in a frenzy is especially important to not only your academic health but also your mental health.
Communicate
Communication is key throughout the crisis. Just because everyone around you is in crisis mode, that does not mean that you need to follow suit. Speak to your grade school children often about their studies as well as their teachers. College students: stay engaged with your professors and mentors. Be sure that you understand the expectations and timelines throughout this uncertain time. Your teachers likely have a plan in place. It’s important that you do not miss out on any important information or deadlines.
Continue to Do the Work
Eventually, this disease is going to be under control and contained. Travel bans will be rescinded, toilet paper will return to Costco, and students will return to campuses. Continue doing your homework and studying. Continue learning and advancing your educational career. It would be detrimental to pause or delay, by getting caught up in the drama around you. Assume that all assignments and tests are still due at the same time.
Create a New Study Schedule
If you’re finding it difficult to concentrate, make a schedule. Write down the times that you are going to study and include frequent breaks. This may help put your mind at ease, knowing that you only have to focus for a short period of time, and then, you get a break. If you find that your mind is racing, while you are trying to concentrate, keep a pen and notebook nearby. Write down the questions or worries as they come to you. Then, set them aside to deal with, after you complete your studies.
Refrain from Social Media
This is one of the worse places to visit right now. People are spreading misinformation and panic via social platforms. Keep your nose in your books and stay off social media as much as possible. It will only induce fear at this point.
Educate Yourself
It’s only natural to feel curious and anxious with all of the news reports around the world reporting on the same thing. If you want to learn more about this disease and put your fears to rest, go directly to the source. Read about the facts on the CDC website. True information can be empowering and calming. Arm yourself with facts, and then, get back to work.
Talk to Someone
If you feel like the pandemic panic is taking over and you’re struggling with it, talk to someone. Reach out to a family member or friend and let them know how you’re feeling. If you feel like things are spiraling, reach out to a counselor. Even amidst the chaos of this disease, counselors’ offices are mostly remaining open. our school likely has counseling services and has something specifically set up for coping with this event.
The Time is Going to Pass Anyway
Do not let the panic pause or stop you from continuing. The time is going to pass anyway and you might as well pass it with a degree. When you look back at this period of time, you will see how this was merely a stumbling block in the road. Also, you will feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing that even though things were hard, you overcame the challenge. You were able to keep your eye on the prize, even though everything else was crumbling around you. This is a life-lesson, something you will have to do over and over again in the coming years with every day, life experiences and trials.
Do everything you can to create a sense of “normalcy” amidst everything going on in the world with CoVID-19. Remember that this pandemic will not last forever, it’s merely a moment. Keep up with your studies. Follow the syllabus and continue to proceed with your assignments and learning. Communicate with your teachers often. Maintain a study schedule. Ask for help and arm yourself with facts, if you find yourself struggling to focus. Refrain from viewing social media at this time. Continue to focus and you will be that much closer to obtaining your degree and educational goals.