Everything Students Need to Know About Post-Lockdown AnxietyJune 10, 2020

It takes a village to raise a child, but the village is surrounded by hazard tape. The government declares a victory over the coronavirus, but everyone wonders if it's safe to go out during the cooler months. You're one of those university students who are having second thoughts about blended learning. And there's this new thing called reverse culture shock. How to deal with it?

Your grandparents may be infuriated at your comparison between the Second World War and the Great Pause, not uttering a word when they pointed out that technology didn't keep them in constant touch with family and old mates (during the war). You didn't dare tell them that it was possible to hug strangers, even have sex with anyone who wasn't part of your household. (And you learned it from watching movies.) The pandemic didn't force us to seek bomb shelters and there won't be any chance of family belongings being destroyed, yet it would force the populace to get involved in a social experiment that scientists would conduct on individuals with extreme anxiety on human contact and (probably) agoraphobia. You miss frolicking on the beach, with your friends, and you reminisce your family surprising you on your birthday. (You won't mind your brother showing a photo of a younger you, gleefully taking a bath. And you were unmindful of your father taking a photo. You didn't check the reaction of some relatives and family friends, though.) And you don't know if the resumption of face-to-face learning would be too soon. Australians aren't known to get anxious by the slightest means, but the easing of restrictions would lead to anxiety.

Uncertainty is the cause of post-lockdown anxiety. The lockdown made some people lonelier than before, and not a few become constantly worried about their loved ones. A hug, if not a kiss, would be comforting. Alas, doctors and scientists won't recommend it. A virtual hug, if not a flying kiss, could be a good substitute. (Studies have shown that the computer screen kept astronauts from becoming too isolated inside the spacecraft. And they managed to adjust right after their return from outer space.) University students aren't only worried about going out, but they also overthink about the good, old days. It can cause sleepless nights, as well as getting hooked to social media. It's not a good thing (during this time of the year).

5 Ways to Overcome Posr-Lockdown Anxiety

Banish those recurring thoughts about the future. It would be best to plan your week ahead. You have a calendar, where you're being reminded of (recorded) lectures, deadlines (of your essay assignments), and examinations, yet it would be wise not to look at it often. Unless you can soak in this new experience, an unprecedented social experiment, it would be advisable to relax a little. (The cold beckons.) Don't turn to exercising, as you need a distraction. Recall the last book you read, which made you feel good. It might have happened many moons ago. It must not be included in the reading list; your coursemate recommended "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" after you told him of your ideal holiday destination. You're looking for a travel buddy, who is curious (or excited) about the peculiar and unusual in India. Deborah Moggach may help you decide on the exact dates (of your trip).

What makes you unsettled and tensed? You were unable to answer the question right away because you terribly missed your coursemates, some of who became your new mates, and some members of the faculty staff. External influences, which you realised after settling in your old room. There may be no substitute for what you experienced on the campus, but online learning would offer possibilities that could benefit you (and other students). However, you must be warned about the long hours you spend in front of the computer screen. It can be harmful to the eyes especially if you've been sleeping less than eight hours. Try to achieve that study-life balance.

Stop checking Covid-19 news and lockdown rules. There's no vaccine at the moment, so the government might have a change of mind (and reimpose the lockdown). The frequent updates on Covid-19 and its effect on the economy can affect you in many ways you can't imagine. There are rumors about your university letting go of some members of the staff, who have been encouraging and supportive last term. This is THE time to be upbeat, and it would be better to imagine better days ahead. You can meet your mates, whom you haven't seen for ages. A Zoom meeting should decide when and where. You can study different ways of greeting. Elbows or feet?

You must not be afraid of post-lockdown anxiety. One of your best mates, a voracious reader of science-fiction novels, read Arthur C. Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey" many times. He believed that an alien civilisation prevented the extinction of the human species (or their forefathers). You didn't give it much thought until now. Humans adapt to a new environment after an unfamiliar situation forces them to make the adjustment. You're worried about making another adjustment after the easing of restrictions, but you must not make a big deal about it. Remember that it takes a village. And you need to calm down. Fresh, cool air or food and drink?

A general conversation about anxiety can change post-lockdown. It would lead to empathy, as well as planning your "legendary summer". It should make you feel good. However, the lockdown introduced you to the tedious reality of adulthood. You can ask about practical tips on removing carpet stains, as well as how to fill the dishwasher properly. Mum would be proud.

Accepting Post-Lockdown Anxiety as a Condition

Anxiety can be distressing, which would make most people reckless and irresponsible. You recalled your large consumption of food and the number of cans (of soda) that almost filled the trash bin, prompting you to think if going out would be beneficial. The answer is YES. There are many things you can't control, so it would be a waste of time to think of what-ifs. Focus on today and tomorrow, so it won't overwhelm you. The lockdown may have been disruptive, but it should help you get used to the new normal. It's quite a relief (if you think about it).

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