March 2020 was, to say the least, a turning point for the world. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way households operate. It changed the way people work and study. And while adults have no choice but to adapt to telecommuting and remote work, teenagers who are more used to technology might just be hit harder by school lockdowns and remote schooling.
High school seniors, for example, lost the most exciting year of their secondary education. Their careers as student-athletes ended abruptly. They won’t get to dress up for prom with their friends. And they have to graduate through a computer screen. And these are things that they can’t have a do-over of, unlike professionals whose careers are more flexible.
The pandemic has taken a toll on college students’ mental health, too.
Take note of these factors that can help your children or students get back on track.
Start with Gentle Reminders
Students might feel lost or discouraged when they have to attend all their classes online. And even with a breakthrough in COVID-19 vaccines, many schools might opt to stay online or adopt a hybrid learning model in the foreseeable future. In this case, students who don’t have in-person interaction with their teachers and peers should be reminded of what they’re in school.
A reminder about which university they want to attend and what career they want to establish in the future could motivate them.
Go Over the Curriculum
Curriculums vary depending on the level of education that students are getting. High school curriculum, for example, centers on these core subjects: math, science, English, history, foreign language, physical education, and health.
It helps to go over the curriculum at the start of the semester and make a four-month plan that includes academics and extracurricular activities. This gives the student something to look forward to and work hard for regardless of what their learning style will be. It also gives them a clearer vision of how their semester will be like.
Develop a New Routine
Living sporadically may be taxing, so developing a routine is the way to go. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day is a good way to start. The next step to forming a refreshing routine is listing down all daily tasks and weekly goals, then adding social activities and personal time around that schedule. This helps maintain productivity and avoid burnout.
It might be challenging to stick to a new routine when all the days are blending together. But that’s only at the beginning of the process.
Stay Busy
Even the most outstanding student and the most dedicated employee have days when they just don’t feel productive. This is especially common for people who tackle their responsibilities from home. But the best way to avoid that feeling is to stay busy. That means following through with an established daily schedule, attending virtual study groups, or engaging in online classes a little more.
It’s good to remind students that productivity isn’t only based on their academics. Hobbies, extracurricular activities, and different types of self-care like working out or meditating are also productive. These things keep their minds stimulated while preventing them from feeling overwhelmed.
Take Breaks
Some people assume that taking breaks is counterproductive especially when they have a lot on their plate because of academics. But breaks actually boost their performance by giving their brain enough time to recharge. Instead of cramming everything within six straight hours, remind students to take a break. Even a few minutes of listening to music or snacking could boost their productivity.
Given these reminders, students will be better equipped to deal with the situation as things gradually return to life pre-pandemic.
