Schools have been closed for more than two months now due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Some learners have been homeschooling and others have had to self-study as a way to catch up and keep up with their school work. If the thought of going back to school has you feeling stressed, check out these simple ways of dealing with back to school anxiety.

Identify triggers

Think about what it is that’s causing you to feel stressed and anxious. Is it the fact that you have lost out on school time? Are you scared that physically going back to school may put you at risk of getting COVD-19? Find the root of your worries so that you can deal with the actual problem.

Plan ahead

While the future is uncertain, it’s important that you plan ahead and get into a study routine. Creating a structured study environment will help you feel more in control and motivated.

If you are worried that time is limited, start by sorting your school work in order of importance and priority. This way you will know which subject or task needs your immediate attention, and which ones can be done last. Your study timetable needs to be realistic and easy to follow.

While you are studying from home, it may be a good idea to write down any questions you may have for your teachers when schools reopen.

Don’t procrastinate

Putting off your work until the last minute (procrastination) will only cause you more stress and anxiety in the long run, so it’s better to just get started right away. Schools will reopen eventually, and there will be a lot of catching up and assignments to do, which is why you should do what you can to get ahead right now.

Stay informed

Stay up to date with news from your school and about the COVID-19 pandemic. Being in the know when it comes to what the Department of Education is planning, will help you come up with a more realistic personal study plan and timetable. Make sure you are getting your news from a trustworthy source.

Talk about it

Everyone finds themselves feeling a bit stressed out every now and then. Healthy stress can help you stay alert and ready to do some problem solving, but it should not get to a point where you are feeling hopeless and frustrated. That’s why it’s important to talk to someone you trust and share your feeling and worries. You can also contact me on Ask Choma or just send me a message on social media. Talking to someone can help you feel relieved and give you a different perspective on your problems.

I know that this pandemic has forced us to do things differently and adjusting to these changes may be difficult. However, it’s important to still invest in your education and find creative ways to deal with potential problems. If you have not started preparing to go back to school, it’s not too late to get started. Just come up with a manageable plan and stick to it. Don’t forget to prioritise your mental health while creating your back to school plan.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).