5 lockdown positives for high school students

 

Being locked down for so many months is an unthought-of and an unprecedented situation. What was happily taken as a few days’ break from routine seems never ending. All of us want this to end so that life can be reset. Even with changes like wearing masks and maintaining social distance, being with friends and peers and going to school regularly are a few things every student is looking forward to.

All said and done we are facing a strange and never before situation. We have to make the most of it. Here is a list of 5 positives that you, high school students can take from this lockdown.

1. Self paced learning

Attending virtual classes is not as easy as attending regular school. Many of you are laid back about attending virtual classes. This should not be the case. Being regular, in attending on-line classes as well as other activities during lockdown is important.  This is an opportunity for you to set your time-table. This is the time to learn to take responsibility of your learning. Self-paced learning gives you the freedom to adjust and monitor the time you spend on each subject. The control is in your hands. As you need not worry about the pace of peers, you can manage your time well. ‘Time and tide wait for none’, so the saying goes.

2. Improving non-academic interests

I have found during my many informal and formal interactions with high school students that many of them do not pursue hobby/hobbies. You feel that the time spent on hobbies can be utilized in improving your academic performance. The pandemic and the resultant lockdown have given you precious time to pick up interesting hobbies. All of us have interest in one or the other non-academic pursuits. We blame lack of time for not pursuing them.

Here are a few interesting non-academic pursuits that you can pick up / continue during lockdown:

• ·        Gardening
• ·         Baking
• ·         Cooking
• ·         Reading for pleasure
  
• ·         Art and Craft activities
• ·         Learn to play musical instruments
• ·         Learn dance
• ·         Music
• ·         Creative writing
• ·         DIY activities
• ·        Blogging / Vlogging
• ·        Podcast
• ·        Indoor games like Chess 

There are many dedicated sites on the internet and as many videos in Youtube which can be checked out.

                        3. Working on physical and mental health

Lockdown is tough especially for active and energetic adolescents. You miss peer interaction, friends and school. This can play havoc in both mental and physical health. Yoga and meditation can be practiced to relieve mental stress and improve physical health. Time is in our hands. How we use it is our responsibility. Indoor games and exercising are also best methods to maintain mental and physical well being.

                        4. Working on tough subjects

Everyone of us has an Achilles heel. Now is the time to work on this. Devoting more time to work on subjects that you feel are tough can be one of the best outcomes of this lockdown. Concepts can be learnt, practiced, self-assessed to improve and gain confidence in the tough subjects. When we successfully come out of lockdown, you can have the confidence of doing well in all subject areas.

5. Planning and working for future

Take time to think about what you want to be. Think about your strength and weaknesses. Make a SWOT analysis. Answer the questions

• ·        where you want to go
• ·        how you might get there
• ·        and what might get in your way.

Take time to discuss things with your parents and siblings. Make a shortlist of options and opportunities. Plan to work towards achieving your goals.

Think positive in all situations. Lockdown has given us the precious time to be with ourselves, take time to introspect and improve our overall personality. Use the time wisely.

All the best for a lovely future.