By: Saima Rani
Covid is a global crisis that has affected almost all. Governments are under pressure financially, societies are fighting with their own anxieties and psychological epidemics are on the road. Well the percentage of loss cannot be determined because we are still going through it. On the other hand many talks and debates are going on about how to improve your wellbeing while living with this crisis. Moreover, we witness almost all segments of society are struggling to sustain or trying to improve in this difficult time.
Although, many covid restrictions are lifted and the world wants to have an exit from covid but still there are uncertainties, pressures and many every day changes and strategies to deal with post situation.
To begin with, Well-being is wellness, or quality of life. In other words the well-being of a person is what is ultimately good for this person, what is in the self-interest of this person.
Moving forward, despite the fact that the globally wellness of people has been affected due to the pandemic. As a student of Education discipline I believe all segments of this discipline have suffered and still suffering. Let’s leave the suffering of management on their part and talk about students.
For instance, if we only consider students between the ages 4-14 many complaints we receive from parents about strange and weird behavior of this age group.
Social isolation, changed life pattern have lead in changed in their relationship patterns. Well what I consider a tragedy it has decrease bond of relationship between teacher and students. Everyday getting less opportunity to mingle with their age group or having less chances to spend quality time with friends has affected their physical and mental wellbeing as well.
Additionally, schools and teachers are in pressure to complete the grade level work, but this is the need of the hour to think and rethink how much a school and teacher is working on the wellbeing of the students.
If a student’s average screen time is 8 to 10 hours is it really well for his mental and physical wellbeing moreover, virtual learning anxiety which is common issue how frequently is being addressed at parents and teachers level.
Many research shows that for most people, mental health issues emerge when they are young — half of all mental disorders emerge by the time people are 14 years old and three quarters by 25 years old – the same period when most people are in education
Even as mother I saw my kids left their favorite things they use to do, because they have to complete homework tasks and get the grades. On other hand either they understand or not they have complete the work to meet the time limit.
Collectively educators must take into consideration to customize and develop a curriculum that should support students to develop and understand the skill they require to make healthy and safe choices on their own for their wellbeing. And all stake holder should participate in it. Then it will not matter student is coming to school and studying from home. With currents curriculum student is struggling to complete their written tasks which may not be their choice or wish that may not create good positive emotions in them
Therefore, frequent monitoring and support to students will flourish their education journey, build resilience against adversity and will help to develop protective factors from mental ill-health.
When school staff, leaders, teachers and educators are given the resources and tools to promote and model behaviors, values and inclusivity, this improves teacher-student relationships and builds inclusive and safe school communities to support everyone’s wellbeing and improved learning outcomes.
