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There is ‘anxiety’ and now there is ‘COVID Anxiety’. Just like we throw around the term OCD, or ADD, we tend to use the generic term anxiety to describe any situation in which people are feeling nervous. There is also a formal condition called Anxiety, which is a recognized and diagnosed mental health condition, and could manifest with physical effects as well. Now the world is experiencing a new phenomenon known as COVID Anxiety.
1.5 Billion people around the entire world – 20% of Humanity - are in quarantine. That fact alone is scary. The reason for the quarantine is the dreaded virus COVID-19. The ramifications of catching the virus are also scary. Add to that the economic stresses and the challenges we face in keeping our homes supplied with food and medicine, and the anxiety level shoots right up. Finally, many adults are at home with their children, needing to keep their kids entertained, educated, and sane. Not only do they need to look out for their own physical and mental well being, but for those around them as well.
The first and most important thing to help in dealing with being in lockdown with your family is to view it as a blessing in disguise – an opportunity and not a curse. While this requires a mindset shift, it is a crucial strategy. This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend ongoing quality time with your kids, not away on vacation, but at home. Camp counsellors will not be responsible for their entertainment, and their regular school teachers will not be responsible for their education. You are the designated driver now. Embrace it.
Talk to your kids, younger and older, about the virus and the impact it is having on your immediate neighborhood. You may want to relieve their anxiety by not talking about it, but not addressing it at all could be stressful for them and yourself. Kids will hear things from friends and need to be able to process information. However, don’t overdo it. They don’t need added stress.
This is not to keep kids in the dark; it’s important to give them the information they need. But much of the media presents way too much information, often in an amplified and semi-hysterical fashion. This will not be helpful in relieving anxiety.
Do not let this time go on without setting up a routine. You and your kids need to make a huge, superhuman effort to not let this time slip into lazy-mode or vacation-mode. Keep wake-up times and bedtimes according to their normal schedules. Keep meals according to a schedule. Create a daily schedule for keeping up with school work, chores at home, exercise, rest time, and playtime. TV, movies, and video game time should also be monitored to a reasonable amount of time, otherwise you will soon have a house full of couch potatoes.
With your kids not running out the door in the morning to get to school, not having recess or lunch breaks with friends, and not having an organized gym class, they will be sorely lacking the amount of physical activity they require. This will not be helpful physically or emotionally. Make sure you take breaks throughout the day to get the blood pumping and muscles moving. Remember, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. YOU need to exercise too.
This can be the biggest challenge that most parents are facing. Some parents may feel that they just don’t have the skills to teach their kids. Ironically, professional teachers are often anxious about teaching their own kids. Either way, the show must go on, and children need to continue learning. It is important to be sensitive to your own anxiety about this, as well as the students’ (i.e. your own kids).
There are no precedents that can help us predict how long this situation will last for. According to some, schools may be closed until the Fall. If so, it may be worth investmenting in some products for your home “classroom”. Practically this makes teaching (or learning) the lessons easier, by providing a space that will be taken a little more seriously by both children and parents. Most importantly, it can break up the monotony of being confined to the same premises for weeks on end, morning, noon, and evening.
However, with a little creativity, the challenge can be overcome. There are some great products that can spice up the learning, fit nicely into a home environment and are affordable.
Active Seating is a category of chairs that are wildly popular in schools - and for good reason. These chairs provide each individual, young or old, with the flexibility to find their optimal sitting position, ease restless legs, and promote proper posture. Students can move around, yet still remain focused on their lessons. These benefits would be helpful during normal times, but especially during these stressful times, as the movement can help alleviate anxiety as well.
These chairs come in a huge variety of colors, styles and come in both child and adult sizes.
Colorful preschool furniture will make a great addition to your home learning center. Child-sized activity tables and chairs allow kids to feel comfortable as they study, learn, play and develop important skills. Easels, blocks, rugs, and other furniture are amazing for encouraging creativity!
Colorful preschool furniture will make a great addition to your home learning center. Child-sized activity tables and chairs allow kids to feel comfortable as they study, learn, play and develop important skills. Easels, blocks, rugs, and other furniture are amazing for encouraging creativity!
The Mod Student Lounge Table has a simple, straightforward design that’s great for home learning and play. It also goes with any decor.
These height adjustable desks allow you to either sit or stand when working. Changing between sitting and standing not only improves comfort and health but helps maintain focus. These desks are great for both adults and kids.
We are in a crisis situation and many people may not be as fortunate as you. Why not reach out to others, in accordance with proper health protocols of course, and do kind acts for others. For example, perhaps you and your children can video call elderly neighbors to check on them and say hello. Not only will this make your neighbors feel good, you should find that it will have a healthy impact on the anxiety and mental health of your family. For you teachers out there, perhaps it will lead to some interesting classroom material for when you go back to school.
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