How to make a study schedule for students with anxiety

What is anxiety? Doctors call it that feeling of worry, unease, or nervousness, either associated with an event or task with an uncertain outcome, or not dependant on any particular event. Can a student get a sinking feeling in the stomach with no apparent reason? The answer is yes. Often students, especially high school teens can’t label it as anxiety, but describe it in physical terms, such as cold, shaking hands, sudden sweating, stomach cramps, nausea, etc. 

Here, the key is winning the student’s trust by talking and getting to the bottom of things. Anxiety is lessened by discussion. If the symptoms persist, and do not seem related to any given incident, and grow in intensity, get medical help. But how will you help the student continue with studies? Here are a few smart strategies that will help your child.    

Set a strong routine and facilitate sticking to it 
Students struggling with anxiety, and related mental disorders thrive on routine. This is because routines eliminate the unexpected. Some may even need stricter routines that include a designated time for each subject in their daily schedule. Sometimes thy will also need a declared break, such as a colouring or crafts hour between STEM classes. Whatever you do with the routine, don’t break it, and help your child to stick to it in every way you can. 

Introduce clear, short-term, result-oriented goals 
Use short term goals, such as hourly distribution of study and play / relaxation activities every day. You can also set the goals according to achievement parameters, finishing one chapter of geometry, algebra and arithmetic each within 5 days. Do not overlap study and game, even if you think gamification helps. Clear, bite-sized goals are appreciated over anything to with the big picture by students struggling with anxiety.  

Keep concepts hands-on and give examples  
When you explain a concept, include examples. Students suffering from anxiety appreciate concrete information. Link theory to practical examples and make lessons come alive with hands-on sessions. When students know what to expect, they feel less worried.