Page 13 - ADU Voice

COPING WITH
STRESS

A year has passed, E-Learning continues, and
stress finds its way to creep in. Regardless of age,
major or occupation, stress is unavoidable and Dr.
Smitha, Chair of the Humanities and Social Science
Department, has given some helpful tips on how to
cope with stress and anxiety.

Stress Management
E-Learning hasn’t been as relaxed as it first seemed.
Each day feels like a repetition of the day before and
demotivation levels rise. Lockdown had pretty much
put all our activities on hold and most of us had
gotten used to that lifestyle. When asked, Dr. Smitha
suggested maintaining a schedule including healthy
eating and sleeping habits, as well as exercise,
because of there endorphin boost – a natural stress
reliever. Regardless of restrictions, the right mindset Social Anxiety
allows you to do anything. “When all of this is over”, some people might suffer
from social anxiety after a year – or more – of
With Covid-19 and the safety protocols, almost being distanced from people. Dr. Smitha had some
everyone is lacking social interactions; however, interesting insights as to how students or instructors
there are ways to keep in touch. Video calling friends could prepare:
and family or creating a Netflix Party for your group •Slowly expose yourself to different and interactive
of friends could feel like a cinematic experience! situations
Sometimes, dwelling on things and thoughts is •Mentally prepare before an outing
incontrollable. To avoid doing so, you could: distract •Meditate or do breathing exercises when anxiety
yourself with positive thoughts, be kind to yourself strikes
or start reading books that interest you. Try to focus •Cancel your comfort zone – just for a little while
only on things you can control rather on the things •Commit: to moving forward. You're got this!
you can’t. “Prayers also gives a lot of healing and
confidence.”, said Dr. Smitha. Another helpful tip is that if lockdown has negatively
Keeping in touch with friends and family almost affected your friendships, joining a group of people
always helps to boost moods. To those who are still with similar interests as you could help build strong
keeping distance, learning an instrument or gaining friendships via social media. MS Teams could also
a new hobby could be beneficial. be another starting point. By participating in class
or working in groups, you could meet tons of people
E-Learning and form connections from there. You never know
Both professors and students have been affected until you try. Be the person who makes a WhatsApp
with this ‘new normal’. Adjusting is what matters group chat for a course – with permission of your
the most. To overcome the stress with this change instructor, of course.
as a faculty member, Dr. Smitha suggested more REMINDER: With time, things will get better. In the
interactive activities to ensure engagement of meantime, be gentle with yourself. Know that you
students as well as helping professors familiarize aren’t going through this alone and people will listen
themselves with their students as teacher-student and understand.
relationships are crucial factors of education. In “More and more exposure to various situations will
some way, students’ engagement in class activities melt away the anxiety and fears in you.”
could help normalize the situation of the pandemic, - Dr. Smitha Dev
moving forward and helping the instructors too.
Written by Aleya Al Ketbi
ID: 1076673