{"id":2168,"date":"2020-09-24T02:48:29","date_gmt":"2020-09-24T02:48:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationaltestprep.org\/?p=2168"},"modified":"2024-03-27T15:04:40","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T19:04:40","slug":"covid-19-anxiety-and-the-tutor-best-practices-for-well-being","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationaltestprep.org\/covid-19-anxiety-and-the-tutor-best-practices-for-well-being\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19, Anxiety, and the Tutor: Best Practices for Well Being"},"content":{"rendered":"

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There is little doubt that many of us feel the heavy weight of coronavirus-induced\u00a0 <\/span>stress and anxiety despite our efforts in donning masks and becoming experts on optimal preventative protocols to ward off \u201cthe \u2018Rona.\u201d As we deal with this pandemic, our lives and livelihood are strewn into the unknown: The College Board and ACT scheduling is like a whack-a-mole game, school admissions are becoming test-optional overnight, and in-person learning is uncertain and politicized. Throw into the mix, now, almost 5 months of\u00a0 <\/span>\u2018social distancing,\u2019 shelter-in-place, and mask requirements in public spaces, all of which were completely alien concepts to us before this pandemic. Anyone of us can understandably feel worried, disregulated, and isolated.<\/span><\/p>\n

As we slide into this new normal, here are my top 10 recommendations that a tutor can integrate to counter this chaos and show up for your students focused, refreshed, and on your A-game. Experiment with these tools or experiences each day of the week, and then share with your students if you feel they need some extra support.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Back to Basics: Eating Well, Exercise, and Sleeping!<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

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These three gems require little explanation, as these are the backbone of optimal health, whether it\u2019s during an epidemic or any personal challenge. Stay away from processed food and eat healthy seasonal, organic, and local foods. Can\u2019t get to the grocery store or plant a garden? There are CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) in many communities and a plethora of delivery options available.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. A quick half-hour of movement, whether it be yoga, dancing, or just taking a walk through the neighborhood will not only enhance your physical health, but also increase your energy levels, alleviate stress and anxiety, and improve memory and sleep.\u00a0 <\/span>You can also do virtual workouts with friends, yoga, dance, or online video tutorials\u2014anything to get your body moving.\u00a0 <\/span>Get creative and choose which activity you enjoy most! <\/span><\/p>\n

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Sleep 7-8 hours a night, or whatever is your regular number of hours you need to feel focused and refreshed the next day. You may become sluggish when you over- or undersleep. A good night\u2019s sleep is necessary to start the day off right and provide you with the boost of energy needed to engage with your students.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Create Dedicated Space to Work<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

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If you\u2019re not commuting to the office, having a dedicated workspace will help anchor it as a place for you to focus and cue your mind to get ready to get work done, providing some order and structure in the uncertainty of shelter-in-place. If possible, consider placing your line of vision towards the door with your back towards a window to allow natural sunlight to shine on your work. Check out Feng Shui to promote positive energy \u201cflow\u201d and abundance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Upgrade your Schedule<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

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Part of the challenge for all of us\u2014tutors and students alike\u2014is navigating things out of our control while addressing things we do have control over. For many of us, more time at home with such reduced variation of movement or activity has the effect of time feeling less defined. Consider peppering your schedule with the following activities, and be specific about work hours and time to practice self-care: <\/span><\/p>\n

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