Three Tips to Reduce Anxiety & Stress during Distance Learning
School is quickly approaching. Most districts will begin with an improved version of distance learning compared to last Spring when the COVID-19 pandemic began. For some it comes as a relief but for others an increase in stress and anxiety for parents, teachers and more so the kids. Many parents work and are pressured to ensure their kids are online when they’re scheduled, or juggling multiple kids in the household. Meanwhile kids are experiencing the anxiety over not being with friends again or feeling stressed how they will be able to learn without being in the classroom.
For some kids they express their emotions with meltdowns, crying or anger. Others simply freeze and have a hard time concentrating. Either way they express themselves there needs to be a plan of how to handle their stress. They also need reassurance that it’s OK and completely normal to feel like this.
Most kids feed off of the emotions their household or parents have, so it’s important to be mindful of the words, media outlets and management of their own emotions. Meanwhile, here are other helpful tips to make it as smooth as possible.
Setup a routine
Setup a learning area that the kid(s) will use each day and keep it routine. A dedicated workspace helps improve concentration. Ensuring your child also gets to bed at the same time each day and wakes up to get ready for school during the week will make things feel more normal to them than it may have in the Spring.
Continue with regular back-to-school traditions
Although distance learning can make it tempting to skip shopping for backpacks, lunchboxes and other regular items it’s important to do it anyway. It will give your child a sense of normalcy and hope. School will return in person even if we aren’t sure when. Shopping for new clothes and getting haircuts is also a way to make them feel good and get them excited about going back, even if the school year begins remotely.
Know your resources
There are school guidance counselors and teachers are often available for emotional support to both you and your child(ren).
What if you or your child are still stressed and can’t focus?
Lifeline Connections is committed to long-term mental wellness for our patients. We offer an integrated, holistic approach that includes therapy and case management. Our doctors specialize in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. They work to solve ones that have a compounding effect. Contact us and reclaim your life.
Contact a doctor for a referral or find a therapist. They can work to design a custom plan for wellness. Secure treatment is over the phone or computer with telehealth, providing coping skills for grief, loss, depression and anxiety. They will work with you one-on-one to get you feeling better.
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