Written by Nishagie Hettiarachchi
Edited by Lesley Pham
The United States, with over 5 million cases of Covid-19, seems to be at a standstill… but not for long. Many schools will begin to reopen around late August and early September, leaving students feeling anxious and uncertain about their academic futures. Numerous officials feel that schools should be reopened and that students should assume their lives as usual because of the belief that a school environment improves mental and physical health. However, most states have decided to begin the school year with distance learning until the number of cases is significantly lower.
Graphic made by Celine Nguyen, from Arts for Relief
So, how exactly does distance learning impact mental health?
Students who struggle with anxiety are more apt to feel stressed, as school is meant to be a collective learning experience. The lack of proper resources and attention at home may negatively impact students when they are not at school. Ka’La Lawson, a junior at Burbank High School expresses, “My online learning experience as a student has been very stressful and irritating. I honestly feel like I'm not learning anything—just getting assignments back-to-back.” Many high school students, especially those who are applying to college for the Fall 2021 semester, are especially stressed with all of these changes.
Social distancing and isolation do not help the feelings of stress or anxiety; instead, they increase the feelings of loneliness in many students.
In a survey released by the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, 55% of 825 staff members agreed that “their students’ mental health [has] deteriorated since the start of distance learning” (Tyson Reporter). Unfortunately, due to this unprecedented pandemic, job and home losses affect parents and caregivers who may be more prone to abusing students whose support systems are unavailable outside of school.
Due to these unfamiliar circumstances, students feel at a loss and are uncertain of their new schooling system at home. A home learning environment can be distracting for students who do not have adequate space to get their work done during the school year. In a survey from Active Minds, 85% of more than 2,000 students have stated that their biggest struggle is trying to stay focused on school during this pandemic.
How do we combat stress and anxiety at home? Although it may seem difficult, there are simple ways in which we can handle it.
Due to online learning, strict schedules and urgent deadlines have lessened. Many students’ circadian rhythms have been thrown off balance as staying up late and waking up later seems to be the norm. Getting a good night's rest and waking up as if it were a school day will increase academic performance and decrease stress. Altered sleep schedules not only decrease energy, but they also throw off meal schedules. Many students that are waking up around 12:00 or 1:00 pm miss breakfast, which is an important meal and helps your digestive system. Keeping a healthy balance between meals and getting enough nutrition is a simple and easy way to keep the mind active and clear throughout the day.
Physical exercise is also a helpful stress reliever. Although this may be more difficult with gyms and recreation centers being closed, a quick jog around the neighborhood can help in boosting energy and productivity. Breathing techniques are also a great way to clear the mind and focus on important tasks. Deep breathing allows you to take in more oxygen, stimulating the brain, and creating a sense of calmness.
A great stress reliever that many tend to forget is taking time off from work and schedules to take care of the body and mind. Whether it is a self-care day or a more peaceful and relaxed schedule, time off is something that everyone needs. One source of self-care can be listening to music. Music is a powerful and effective way to reduce stress, as it can either make one optimistic and full of energy, or it can bring calmness and tranquility. Researchers at Stanford University have reported that "listening to music seems to be able to change brain [function] to the same extent as medication." Lastly, journaling is an effective way to relieve stress and tension. Writing away frustrating thoughts or emotions can help to see things from a different perspective, or it can simply just release bottled up feelings that take up space in the mind.
Although these are difficult times for everyone and it is very easy to get swept up in the stress that the news brings us each day, it’s important to take time to focus on what we need as well. Distance learning and school itself can be frustrating, but taking care of mental health during these times is especially important. Remember that you can overcome these stressful situations and that your friends, peers, and teachers are there to help you as well.
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