While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted millions of people’s physical health, it also took a toll on their mental health. Students across the UK struggled to cope with exam uncertainty, increasing academic pressures, and grade anxiety.
Unfortunately, these struggles are still prevalent in 2021.
To combat the uncertainty and state of flux, many students have switched from traditional school to online school. While the transition has eliminated a lot of stress and anxiety from their academic life, students are still struggling to put their mental health first.
Use this guide to prioritise your mental health as you attend online school during a pandemic.
1. Open Up to Your Teachers and Peers
Attending online school is a great way to closely interact with your teachers and peers. At Cambridge Home School, we keep the classroom size as small as possible (8 to 10 pupils per group) to ensure each student receives one-on-one attention from their teachers.
The size of the group also facilitates healthy, engaging, interactive, and stimulating discussions. As you get to know your peers, you can establish strong friendships after class.
We recommend making the most of this added benefit. Open up to your teachers and peers about your struggles. Whether you’re struggling to surmount an academic hurdle or feeling overwhelmed by exam pressure, feel free to communicate your concerns to your friends and teachers.
We’ve created a healthy, supportive, and empowering learning environment to ensure each student can confidently and unhesitatingly speak up about their struggles. If anything’s holding you back, we’re here to offer the support you need.
Recommended Read: A Day in the Life of a British Expat Online Student Studying A Levels From Overseas
2. Create a Healthy Study-Life Balance
Online schooling offers huge flexibility, which goes a long way in helping students put their mental health first. You can still secure top grades without sacrificing your personal life. We recommend creating a schedule that helps you strike the perfect study-life balance.
This “balance” varies from student to student. Take your time to figure out a rhythm that works well for you. Make sure you leave room for yourself. Get adequate sleep, interact with your friends, indulge in your favourite hobbies, spend time with your family, and explore new activities and adventures.
As you balance academics and your personal life, you’ll feel more content, motivated, and inspired. Make sure you retain this balance. Once you get the hang of things, you’ll manage to ace your academics and ensure a healthy personal life.
3. Eliminate Stressors and Triggers from Your Life
In many cases, students end up feeling overwhelmed because of excessive stressors and triggers in their life. Unfortunately, the pandemic has made matters worse.
Introspection can help you nip a lot of damage in the bud. Whether you’re stuck in an unhealthy relationship, dissatisfied with the subjects you’re studying, or experiencing a lot of self-doubts, start by identifying the problem(s). As you become aware of what’s holding you back, pledge to work through it instead of shoving it under the rug.
The sooner you address the issue(s), the better. If you’re unhappy with the subjects you’re studying, open up to your teachers. At Cambridge Home School, we offer an independent curriculum. If you wish to study specific subjects at depth, you can do so. You can also split subjects instead of studying them in the same year. There’s a lot of flexibility; make the most of it!
We also recommend eliminating non-academic stressors and triggers from your life. If something isn’t contributing to your personal growth, happiness, and well-being, let go of it. Instead, make more room for people, activities, and hobbies that bring out the best in you.
If you’re considering switching to an international school online, Cambridge Home School, we can help you get started. As the most established online school based in Cambridge, UK, we provide a quality British education across four schools: Primary Prep School (ages 8 to 10), Lower School (ages 11 to 13), Upper School/IGCSEs (ages 14 to 16), and Sixth Form/A Levels (ages 17 to 19).
Whether you’re gearing up for your IGCSEs or A Levels, our faculty will help you secure top grades, and get into your dream university.
Click here for a closer look at our reviews. Once you have a good grasp of our admissions process, start working on your application form.
Find out more about our distance learning high school online here.
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FAQ
How can online schooling support my mental well-being during the pandemic?
Online schooling can reduce academic-related stress and anxiety, especially when lessons are designed to be interactive and supportive. Schools like Cambridge Home School have small classroom sizes to facilitate one-on-one attention, thus allowing students to discuss their academic or emotional concerns more freely.
What can I do to balance my study and personal life while attending online school?
Online schooling often offers flexibility that enables you to create a healthy work-life balance. Plan a schedule that allows time for study, relaxation, sleep, and engagement in personal interests. This balanced approach will contribute to your overall mental well-being.
Can I discuss non-academic concerns with my teachers in online school?
Yes, online schools like Cambridge Home School encourage students to speak openly about any struggles they may be facing, whether academic or emotional. The environment is structured to be supportive, empowering students to address their concerns confidently.
How can I identify and manage stressors in my life while studying online?
The first step is self-awareness—identifying the problems or triggers that are causing you stress. Online schools often provide the flexibility for you to adjust your curriculum or study schedule. If certain subjects are causing you stress, you have the option to speak to your teachers and adjust your academic plan accordingly.
What kind of education can I expect from Cambridge Home School?
Cambridge Home School provides British education across various age groups—Primary Prep School, Lower School, Upper School/IGCSEs, and Sixth Form/A Levels. The faculty focuses not only on academic success but also on the overall well-being of the students, helping them secure top grades and admissions to their dream universities.