With school closures happening all around the world due to the Covid – 19 pandemic, students and families everywhere are having to make some major adjustments. Students in Dubai, and the rest of the Middle East, have not been immune to the drastic measures and mass closings. Whether you are transitioning to learning at home, or you study with our online American curriculum School and things are running almost business as usual, we are all having to make some changes in our lives. And change is not easy!
Covid -19 has affected almost all parts of the world’s population.With words like “social-distancing,” “self-isolation,” and “quarantining” being thrown around, it’s no wonder that students are feeling more stress than usual right now. In order to cope in a healthy way, here are some things you can try!
- Remember that it’s okay to feel anxious! There is so much uncertainty around the Coronavirus and when schools might reopen, and it may feel like no one has any good answers at the moment. Anxiety is a completely normal reaction to this. Instead of trying to distract yourself or pretend that everything is fine, allow yourself to feel anxious. There are many studies that show trying to constantly avoid feeling anxious often just makes you feel it more strongly later on, as it if is building up. Sometimes the more you try to fight it, the worse your anxiety can get! When you find anxiety starting to creep up, notice it, talk about it with someone if you can, and don’t judge yourself for feeling it!
- Phone your friends and family. Having to spend time away from the people you love is definitely one of the most difficult aspects of dealing with this pandemic. Keeping up regular social contact is a great way to relieve stress and not feel so cooped up. Pick up the phone and actually speak to people, if you can. It will feel a little more real than just texting them. Chatting with the people that you are used to seeing regularly will help things to feel more normal. Even if your kids used to be in regular brick and mortal schools, you can still develop social skills in students during home schooling.
- Stick to a routine. Just because you have an excuse to stay in your pajamas all day, doesn’t mean that you should. While nothing is exactly “normal” right now, try to come up with a routine that helps you create a sense of normalcy, at least for now. Make sure to wake up and sleep at a regular time, complete your work during normal hours, and put on some real clothes, even if you aren’t leaving the house.
- Take care of yourself. Self-care is a proven strategy for reducing anxiety. You may be in a position where you are responsible for taking care of other people, family members, but that means it is even more important for you to take care of yourself! Listen to your body and mind, and give yourself the breaks you need. Find some quiet time to yourself when you can and do things that you find relaxing.
- Get some fresh air! Social-distancing doesn’t mean you can’t go outside at all. If you have a garden or yard, this is a perfect time to put it to good use. If you are living in the Middle East, the amount of time you have left to enjoy the outdoors is dwindling so enjoy this while you can! If you are limited in the amount of outdoor space you have access to, open your windows and let the breeze in. You may still be able to go for a walk, as long as your are confident that you’ll be able to keep your distance.
- Reach out if you need help! Your teachers and counselors are going through the exact same thing so we understand the struggles. If you are a student with iCademy Middle East, then you already have solid relationships with your advisors and teachers but it is especially important right now to maintain contact ask for help if you need it.
I hope these things are helpful for you. Keep in touch with us, wash your hands, and stay healthy!*iCademy Middle East is an American curriculum online school that provides a comprehensive education to students based in the UAE and around the world. We are NEASC and KHDA accredited, and provide individualized learning and instruction from grades K through 12.
