Stress Management among Students: Impact on Effective Learning during COVID-19, Exercises of Law

Download Stress Management among Students: Impact on Effective Learning during COVID-19 and more Exercises Law in PDF only on Docsity! International Technology and Education Journal Vol. 4 No. 2; December 2020 ISSN: 2602-2885 URL: http://itejournal.com/ 65 Review Article. Received: 10/20/2020 Accepted: 12/21/2020 Yasmin, H., Khalil, S., & Mazhar, R. (2020). COVID 19: stress management among students and its impact on their effective learning. In ternational technology and education journal, 4(2), 65-74. Covid 19: Stress Management among Students and its Impact on Their Effective Learning Hena Yasmin, [email protected], Swaziland, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1650-9381 Salman Khalil, [email protected], Amity University, India, https://orcid.org/0000-00031906-6088 Ramsha Mazhar, [email protected], Allan Grey, South Africa, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3023-4775 SUMMARY In today’s date stress has been an integral part of life because there are many things which act as a stress catalyser. Covid-19 has caused significant distress around the globe. It is not limited to adults only, but stress is increasingly affecting children of all age group. Proper management of stress is really very difficult as parents don’t have enough time to properly look after their children. Generally, people have a common mind-set that stress is only caused by a sad happening, but the truth is that stress can occur through a good experience as well. As far as stress for students are concerned, there are plenty of reasons which can cause stress in a student’s life, some of these are; mismatch between the student and the teacher which can raise tension and cause stress. Lack of much family attention has also been a reason why it attacks to all students. Children generally don’t take care of their eating habits as a result of which they are more prone towards to stress. In addition to that the other reason of stress is insufficient sleep is a common cause and students all across the world are getting affected by stress because of it. Stress management among students is a hit-or-miss matter. In order to tackle the horrible matter most of the educational institute schedule optional stress management classes, but students often lack the time to attend. An attempt is done through this paper to know the impact of stress among students and the necessity of managing it in order to make the learning effective. Keywords: Stress Management, Health, COVID-19, Stress level, pandemic INTRODUCTION COVID-19 entered into our lives at the end of 2019 in the whole world threatening the health of countless people and reached pandemic status as well. Since December 2019, there has been an outbreak of pneumonia of an unknown aetiology that was first reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China (Wang et al. 2020). Following the outbreak, a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was identified as the causative virus for the pandemic in China and other parts of the world by the World Health Organization (WHO). On March 11, 2020 (WHO) declared Covid- 19 as a pandemic. Covid-19 has affected more than 4.5 million peoples worldwide (WHO, 2020). This new pandemic condition is fearful and stressful for everyone due to the mortality rate of COVID-19 and associated factors like economic instability, unemployment, stress, anxiety and insecurity. As the COVID-19 pandemic and its far-reaching implications continue to unfold globally and in our community, it's normal for people to experience a wide range of thoughts, feelings and reactions. Thus the main aim of this this paper is to know the impact of stress among students and the necessity of managing it in order to make the learning effective We have to understand that pandemic is not just medical condition, it affects the population in social, emotional and psychological way also. The idea of being alone and wear masks is related to anxiety, sleep disturbances, panic, stress and other kind of mental illness. Due to this pandemic outbreak, lot of students developed psychological problems that are affecting learner’s not only academics but all over personality (WHO, 2020). Countries worldwide implemented strict precautions on its citizens in an attempt to control the spread. The country switched its in person educational system to virtual learning, closing public places of aggregation and invoking travel bans. Most stressing is quarantine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines “quarantine as separating and restricting the movement of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease to see if they then become ill” (CDC, Report, 2020). Living in quarantine period which is also known as lockdown can be great mental toll for everyone. Quarantine affects mainly three components of mental health i.e. autonomy, competency and connectedness. People feel isolated as they get cut off by meeting their friends and perform their daily routine. A recent study on “the psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it” by Samantha K Brooks showed that how COVID-19 is affecting people who are in lockdown. People mostly experienced fear, sadness, numbness, insomnia, confusion, anger, post-traumatic stress symptoms, depressive symptoms, low mood, stress, emotional disturbance, irritability and emotional exhaustion. Some of evidence proves that these consequences can be longer term also (Brooks et al, 2020). Stress is overtaking each and every problem. International Technology and Education Journal Vol. 4, No. 2; December 2020 66 Hans Selye defines stress as “Stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand”(Fink, 2009). Everyone experiences stress at some point in life. Hans Selye, a scientist who popularized the concept of stress, said, “Stress as a scientific concept suffers the misfortune of being too widely known and too poorly understood.” Despite the fact that stress is one of the most common human experiences, it is surprisingly difficult to define. Scientists say that stress is a force or event that impairs normal stability, balance or functioning. The following example may make stress easier to understand. The stress of a strong wind might alter the balance of a suspension bridge so that the bridge swings from side to side. Usually people do not even notice the gentle swaying as they drive across the bridge. When the wind increases, the swaying of the bridge becomes obvious to everyone. Although this swaying might make someone uncomfortable or anxious, it is actually the way that the bridge copes with stress. If the bridge did not sway at all, it would be brittle and more likely to be damaged by the stress of the wind. If the strength of the wind increased dramatically, so that the limits of the bridge were exceeded, the bridge could actually collapse. Stress in our lives is like that wind. Although stress is often present, it usually goes unnoticed. Sometimes the stress that people experience makes them feels shaky or frightened, as if them, like that bridge, were at risk of collapse. Usually this fear is unrealistic, and people’s foundations are much sturdier than they think. Occasionally, one truly is at risk of collapse; it is critically important to recognize this risk. Most often, however, the real risk that comes from stress is that, over many years, it will damage people’s health and detract from their quality of life. In today’s date stress has been an integral part of life and the body’s reaction to a challenge because it is not limited to adults only, but stress is increasingly affecting children of all age group. Current situation of COVID 19 act as a catalyst in increasing student’s stress. Undoubtedly, stress has become the number one reported impediment to academic performance. Some levels of stress can actually be good for us, as the right kind of stress can sharpen the mind and reflexes and encourages us toward change and growth. It is your fight-or-flight response to challenges you see in the world. This natural reaction has certain physical effects on the body to allow you to better handle these challenges, such as increased heart rate and blood circulation. While it can manifest differently for each individual, it is noted that everyone feels stress at some point in their lives, regardless of age, gender, or circumstance (Currie et al, 2016). However, when stress exists for an extended period of time, they can become a burden or even a health risk. A certain amount of stress is an inevitable and useful part of studying. It assists students to work harder, be focused and return to study rather than doing other things. However, if students are too stressed, they cannot study effectively (Gale et al, 2018). It is important to distinguish between stress that assists students to study and stress that prevents students from studying effectively. Everywhere we go, we hear people complaining that students don’t concentrate on learning. We see several consultants, trainers, and life coaches assist other people with attaining it. Beyond doubt, stress management has been one of the catchphrases for student’s commitment towards their performance on academics, student’s relation with fellow students, the more they try or worry the less they can study effectively. Symptoms and Signs of Stress Stress isn’t just a physical reaction; it can also affect your emotions, behaviour, and cognition (Dangi et al, 2020). Just as everyone is stressed by different things, everyone experiences its effects in different ways. Depending on the individual and the cause of the stress, the number of symptoms from each category can vary. An overview of types of symptoms that may be present in someone suffering from stress is given in Table 1. Certain signs of stress can be confused with other ailments. Be sure to understand how it affects you so you can correctly identify when you are experiencing stress. Some of the most common signs and symptoms according to American Psychological Association are: Table 1: Signs and Symptoms of stress among students. • Physical Symptoms • Emotional Symptoms • Cognitive Symptoms • Behavioral Symptoms • Irregular bowel movements • Involuntary twitching or shaking • Irregular or missed periods • Getting sick more often than normal • Reduced libido • Less than normal patience • Feelings of sadness and/or depression • Feelings of being overwhelmed • Restlessness • Reduced or eliminated desire for activities once • Impaired concentration • Trouble with remembering things, such as homework assignments or deadlines • Chronic worrying • Anxious thoughts or feelings • Reduced or impaired judgment • Change in eating habits • Change in sleeping habits • New or increased use of drugs, tobacco or drugs • Nail biting • Pacing • Abnormal failure or delay to complete everyday responsibilities • Significant change in school or work performance International Technology and Education Journal Vol. 4, No. 2; December 2020 69 Academic This may be the most common long-term cause of stress for college students. Student life has many benefits, but it also imposes inevitable stresses. For those who are already battling depression or have an existing vulnerability to it, these stresses can trigger anxiety and episodes of depression. Academic pressure related stress has been identified as one of the prime types in the stress in student learning process. It is undoubtedly one of the biggest problems faced by the current student force during COVID 19. It is also becoming an escalating nerve-racking problem for both teachers and students. Beyond doubt, stress management has been one of the buzzwords for student’s commitment towards their performance on academics, student’s relation with fellow students, the more they try or worry the less they can study effectively (Albers et al, 2017). Their mind is racing everywhere they try to relax but all they can think about is study when they try to study you cannot. There are individuals tormented by the educational stress and are unable to spend time with their own. Even though it seems manageable, after a while if it is not saddled it will create adverse effects on the student’s performance. It is just not the physical presence in the educational institution but also the pre- and post- time of studies need to gear up for and travel to the colleges and back home to. So it is absolutely imperative to understand the reasons for stress among students and its impact on their effective learning Among the significant factors that affect student’s ability to adapt to the stresses of studying epoch is academic vitality (Jennings, 2009). Academic vitality means an adaptive response to various challenges and barriers experienced during education (Folkman, 2015). It means exuberant physical strength or mental vigour, capacity for survival or for the continuation of a meaningful or purposeful existence. When a person does things instinctively, does not feel not only frustrated and tired, but also constantly feels the strength and increased energy, and overall has a sense of inner vitality (Jennings, 2009). Therefore, the academic life has a relationship with the individual’s adaptation to the various situations of the academic period, feelings of self-efficacy and empowerment in the face of challenges, experiencing less anxiety and depression, a sense of responsibility in dealing with the academic tasks and better academic success (Folkman, 2015). Class scheduling and credit load. Scheduling your classes of different subjects may stress you out. Trying to sign up for the courses at times that work well for you, and making sure you’re taking all your necessary prerequisite classes, are just a couple of the many factors that you need to consider. For some students, this may be the first time they have to create their own schedules. You may not know how many credits you should be taking, or what class times are best for your academic performance. You might get frustrated with yourself after a few weeks of classes if your schedule is not what you hoped it would be. Ways to handle stress from class scheduling and credit load If your schedule is overwhelming, remember that it isn’t permanent. Your current classes will end, and you will have to build an entirely new schedule in a few short weeks or months. Use that opportunity to make a schedule that’s better suited to fit your needs. Make your schedule flexible. Grades and exams Academic performance is another stressor that you may encounter as a student. You may feel pressure to get certain grades in your classes due to a number of factors, such as meeting the expectations of teachers, parents and even self. Good grades fulfil your desire to go on to another programme and your desired career. You may study frequently, but get so anxious about taking an exam, that you find yourself unable to do well (or in some cases, to even take the test). One of the causes of test stress is the fear that you didn’t study enough. Further, balancing your classes, family responsibilities, work schedule, and social life can be hard due to the increased workload and greater difficulty of courses. In some classes, tests or projects also make up a large percentage of students’ grades. So, this is also a stressor. Ways to overcome grade and exam stress Conquering school-related stress can be tricky, as you are constantly surrounded by your stressors and equally stressed classmates. However, you are at school to learn and grow, not to get straight A’s on your report card. Focus on getting your education instead of getting certain grades. Grades will come in automatically if you will take your learning seriously. Study as much as you can. Focus on one exam at a time. Avoid think of an exam ahead of you. Think about subject matter not Exam. Don’t visualise the exam during studies. Study in the same classroom or building where you will be taking the test or doing practice problems under timed conditions. Get a tutor to help explain concepts, someone to double check your work or using something as simple as flashcards to study, but finding someone to help you study more effectively can make all the differences. Future: For many students — traditional ones in particular — being in school is comfortable. The prospect of life after college can be daunting simply because it is unknown and unfamiliar. For even the well-prepared student, the International Technology and Education Journal Vol. 4, No. 2; December 2020 70 unpredictability of life outside of school can be stress-inducing. Your stress may be amplified if it seems like all of your friends and peers already have a future plan that they seem confident about. You might feel anxious if you don’t have any idea what you want to do; on the other hand, you may question decisions you’ve already made about your future. Facing poor employment opportunities when they finish their programs, feel stress associated with the uncertainty of their career choice and future prospects. Ways to plan your future and avoid stress The uncertainty of the future can be difficult to handle, but you aren’t alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends, family, professors, or advisors career and guidance team and councillors for help and advice as you start to think about what you want to do after graduation. Go for aptitude test if you are confused with your career choice. This test results will be your path guide. Discuss with your career and guidance teacher. Health In a survey conducted by the APA (2020), 63 percent of adults cite “health-related concerns” as their number one source of stress after academic stress.. For college students, in particular, worries about or issues with health might be a major stressor because according to them it impact academic performance (Albers et al, 2017). It was further reported that the academic performance of nearly 30 percent of students was impacted by a physical ailment, ranging from allergies to bronchitis (Almojali et al, 2017). Regardless this, if the cause is a simple cold, mental health condition, or chronic illness, one thing remains the same: when you’re sick, it can be difficult to keep up with your studies. If you are contagious, you should avoid attending class (unless you are a distance learner or can sit in on the lecture at home), which means missing out on important information from your teacher. Even if you aren’t contagious but are simply feeling under the weather, you may not have the energy to focus on the teaching, learning and assignments. Tips to maintain your health as a student If a particular illness is going around your campus or community, try your best to avoid contact with anyone who is contagious and wash your hands frequently and follow other precautionary instructions. In the present scenario of COVID 19, wear mask, social distancing, sanitising or washing your hands, not sharing your articles and not having party. Everyone gets sick on occasion; accept that, despite your best efforts, you might too. If you do catch something, take care of yourself and rest and as much as possible and medication before resuming your normal activities. Watch your diet. Eat well and eat properly. For example too much caffeine can exacerbate the physical symptoms of test stress. Personal Another source of stress is the difficulty of achieving social intimacy. Your relationships with friends, family members, and significant other can change after you start college. Students tend to lack the time and/or the opportunity to develop interpersonal relationships. School may be a bigger priority than ever before, and as you navigate the challenges associated with that, you may have less energy to give to your loved ones. Feeling like you aren’t as close to your support system, in addition to dealing with the pressures of school, can create tension in your life (Bayram et al, 2019). Tips to balance relationships in college Make an effort to only befriend people whose company you enjoy. Your time at college is too short to spend interacting with people who you don’t get along with. Whether you are working in a group project online, or engaging in a class discussion via chat, you have the opportunity to be selective about whom you give extra energy to. You can make lifelong friends in college, so try your best to only invest your time and attention into the relationships that matter to you. For alleviating distress include improved orientation for new graduate students, more flexibility in core requirements, and expanding the role of faculty advisors/councillors Finances Over the past few decades, the cost of education at traditional schools has risen notably. Combined with other expenses — like the cost of housing, food, and books — students may feel stress over their finances while they’re in school. Even if you qualify for aid, receive help from your family members, or work during the school year, you may still feel stressed about money. Students may feel further stress because of loans they have to pay off after graduation. The debt you acquire can be a burden before you complete school because it can affect your finances for years after, as well as during, college. In addition to being on your own physically and may be even emotionally, you may also be on your own financially. Everything from rent and food to gas and entertainment is now your financial responsibility. You might find that you need o take on a part-time job when you are not in class. Even if you have a scholarship or a loan, or have a “full ride” that helps you pay for it all, there are still the required phone calls, questions, paperwork and deadlines that have to be met in order to ensure the funds keep coming (Eisenberg et al, 2007). Ways to overcome stress from finances. International Technology and Education Journal Vol. 4, No. 2; December 2020 71 Research has shown that positive thinking may improve physical well-being, produce lower feelings of depression and produce lower levels of distress. Always keep in mind why you chose to pursue a degree in the first place, and remind yourself that it can lead to better job opportunities after you graduate. Experts still believe that, in the long- term, education is worth the investment. Family life For many students, college is the first time they have lived away from home or been away from their family for any significant period of time. Besides that, it’s a very unfamiliar environment. Everything is different – the food, the people and the living accommodations. Even though most students eventually get used to these new things without a problem, the first few weeks of college can create a stressful environment. This is true even if you are truly excited about the changes. Remember that even positive changes can induce stress (Kessler, 2012). In college or during student life, you have to figure out the right balance between school, family, and other chores. The academic load at different levels of education will often increase and involves more complicated work. Attempting to keep up with that, on top of your job and family responsibilities can add additional stress to your daily life — especially if your family and work obligations are so demanding that you fall behind with your academic work. For non-traditional students, in particular, achieving that balance can be difficult. While traditional students may be worried about missing another call from their parents, if you are a non-traditional student, you may have children of your own to take care of. You may have to focus your energy on financially supporting your family or caring for your sick parents or children if you have one, instead of school. Tips to balance family, school, and work These strategies can help you establish boundaries between the different areas of your life, in order to give each one the attention it needs. Keep in mind that it’s also important to be able to adapt to new concerns and demands. You may feel stressed to a greater extent if you feel like you can’t make necessary adjustments to your plans. Managing stress as a student: Recommended approach “Instead of rushing unconsciously into your day set aside a few minutes to sit quietly with yourself. Make sure you are calm, centred with your intention for the day. This way you are prepared for a harmonious positive experience” In college, stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to dominate your life. Do your best to understand what kind of stress you’re feeling, what’s causing it, and how you can respond to it productively. By addressing your stress in a healthy way, you are doing all that you can to make the most of your college education. There are many ways you can manage your stress as a student. Just as everyone experiences stress in their own way, we all have our preferred methods of coping with it. However, not all stress management strategies are healthy, and some may leave you feeling even worse than you did before. To overcome stress as a student it’s crucial to learn how to cope with it productively. After all, you can’t control the stressors in your life, but you can choose how to respond to them. Eliminating distress without attempting to maximize eustress is the way by which most of the stress management theory work. By removing distress you can create a vacuum in your life which you will unconsciously fill with either the same distress you previously pushed aside or from some other negative source of pressure. If you will work effectively to produce eustress, you won’t have to worry about defaulting to negative feelings and drained energy when you find yourself with some free time. In addition to that there are also several other reasons which will lead to stress for a college student. Academic Stress: Increase in workload over insufficient time, new responsibilities, difficult exams, challenging classes, low grades, deadlines to meet, scheduling issues to coordinate and a more independent nature are the various academic reasons which will prompt a student’s towards stress. Social Stress: Creating a new social network, separation from home and finding less parental support, living with a roommate, balancing school work with friends or part-time jobs and dealing with the demands of young adult relationships are the elements of social stress. Other Stresses: Daily hassles , financial crisis, studying long, hard hours and waking up early for classes, logistics of living independently (i.e., laundry) new students deal with abrupt change from one college to another college are the major cause of stress. There are two different ways of managing stress; Unhealthy ways to manage stress and healthy ways to manage stress. Unhealthy ways to manage stress. Smoke, use drugs or drink Though it may be tempting to reach for a cigarette or glass of wine after a difficult day, it may not be the best way to unwind. Smoking, drinking, or using drugs may offer stress relief in the short-term, but after their effects wear off, you may find yourself feeling more stressed than before. For instance, researchers have found that drinking alcohol can actually exacerbate stress. Though turning to drugs and alcohol might seem to relieve stress in the short term, it is a recipe for disaster. The negative problems that quickly result will turn your future into a