Online Classes and Stress

Online Classes

Amongst the many aspects of life that have been affected by Covid-19, the education sector is one of the most heavily affected sectors to date, with over 1.2 billion students globally being out of the classroom as of now.

The online mode of entertainment is claimed to be one of the most efficient and effective ways to study as time consumed in travelling and other such distractions are reduced. However, there are two sides to a coin.

The use of online methods of teaching may seem effective at first due to the presence of video-conferencing apps such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams and teacher-friendly apps such as whiteboards and presentation sharing options, but with added facilities comes added stress.

Students all over the world have complained about the stress of projects and assignments weighing down on them due to schools enforcing tight deadlines and strict rules of functioning. According to recent surveys conducted by various mental health organisations, two out of three students prefer the physical way of learning rather than the online method which has now become synonymous with stress and deteriorating mental health.

Moreover, the online way of conducting tests has led to an increase in dishonesty and cheating, which stems from the pressure to do well. This not only leads to faulty results, but also to the discouragement of those who genuinely work hard and do not get placed well.

Online classes have also added extra pressure on the minds of those who struggle with situations at home. Their environment has certainly become more stressful as they face the pressure of being ‘perfect’ around their parents.

With the advent of Covid-19 and cases still being on the rise, students have no choice but to sit through the long hours of classes. But, there are some ways to reduce the stress that comes with it, such as:-

· A fair distance should be kept from their screens and a bottle of water should always be kept around you.

· Making a note or journalling your assignments for the day/week helps in meeting the majority of your deadlines.

· Getting enough sleep during the night helps you to concentrate during those early 8 AM classes.

· Take adequate breaks wherever needed, and make sure t give your eyes some rest every now and then.

· Don’t sit at your desk for long hours. Taking a short brisk walk around the house could help a lot.

· In case you find yourself needing help with a certain topic, never hesitate to reach out to your friends/teachers who can help you with it.

-Nikita Carolyn(Aszist)