Tips for Coping with the Pandemic Affected Semester

Author introduction for new students:

I am Pradeep R. Bijwe. I have superannuated from EE Dept, IITD after 38 years of service. I studied
here for 5 years as well. Trying to help in improving the wellbeing of the student population is my
passion. I have developed a webpage “Joyful Studies and Research” http://web.iitd.ac.in/~prbijwe/ for
this purpose. It consists of many articles about improving your experience of attending classes,
studies, exams, job interviews and so on. It has a special article for new research scholars about all the
steps in doing research. It has some motivational videos, and book abstracts of about 30 best books.
This email is another small, humble effort in that direction. Those who consider this as a spam may
kindly forgive me for wasting their precious time.
Coping with Pandemic Affected Semester:
We have seen almost 9 months of Global Pandemic affecting the entire world. It is going to be a very
long drawn battle. Everyone seems to understand the massive economic fallout of this pandemic.
Many of the student’s families could also have been affected to a varying degree. Although the entire
society knows about the shutdown of the schools and colleges, but very few understand the massive
impact it is having not only on the studies of the college students, but the stress it has generated due to
so many complex factors. My assessment is that this will continue at least for the 1st half of 2021. The
Administration is doing what best it can but we need to understand their predicament since their hands
are tied from many sides. Any solution will be criticised by many sections.
The challenges the students face are indeed many and massive. Such periods divide the student
community in winner and loser groups like never before. Those few who strongly believe that they are
strong and resilient enough to do their best will be the winners and make most of the opportunities
which come their way. However, the group which looks at only the negative side and feels
overwhelmed will make things far worse not only now but in future as well.
Most of the students are off campus and attending lectures online. It is indeed most difficult mode to
learn from, for all the courses, for the entire semester. Neither the teachers nor the students are happy
with this mode. Although everyone is new to this situation, the good news is that you can improve
with conscious efforts.
With lack of movement, physical health suffers. However, even more serious is that the psychological
health also suffers due to anxiety, worries, stress, anger, frustration and sometimes even depression.
These are all extremely harmful for your present and future. When you need to be the strongest to
meet these challenges, you are the weakest. However, it need not be that way.
Even before the pandemic, the extensive use of digital devices by the students has been a cause of
concern. In this period, your use of these devices has gone to the next level which is a major cause of
concern from physical and psychological health point of view.
Based on my experience, following are some of the suggestions in dealing with this difficult period.
Some Important Tips:
1. Viktor Frankl, author of “Man’s search for meaning” who survived years in German
concentration camp says “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are
challenged to change ourselves.” “Everything can be taken away from a man but one thing:
the last of the human freedoms-to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”
Hence, affirm as many times as you can “I choose to be happy.” It is a great mood booster.
 2. Studies are not supposed to entertain you. You have to make them joyful. Many dislike
maths, but some like to do research in it. Say “I choose to study with love.” Resentment
creates pain and stress which reduces work efficiency.
3. Strictly attend lectures: It is difficult. But there may not be a better alternative. Recorded
lecture availability can make you feel complacent into thinking that you can do it later, when
you are in a mood. This is a mind trap. Most of the time the time gets wasted in non-
productive things like watching Netflix, playing games, or net surfing.
4. Screen Detox: After every lecture, close eyes for at least a minute. Look for similar
opportunity during lecture as well. If you are smart and on the lookout, you will find them.
After a long stretch of screen exposure, keep all gadgets away for at least half an hour. Keep
separate time slots for social media rather than looking at the phone every now and then. On
weekends, keep gadgets away for few hours and go to a park for relaxing. It is a great thing
for stress reduction. If park is not easy, any green area nearby is Ok.
5. Plan for off hours on working days, and weekends: Compared to a normal semester, the
workload is much lesser due to rescheduling of labs. Unless you plan wisely you are most
likely to waste this precious period. Time can be invested or spent. The former gives return in
future, and the latter is wasted for ever. Pleasurable activities are attractive and makes you
feel good for a while, but cause frustration later. Have a balanced plan which includes work,
rest, recreation, exercise, deep and mindful breathing. Audit and modify plan if required.
6. Connect and share: Seek good mentors for academics and how to be happy. Connect with
positive and caring persons regularly. Share your worries. Prevent stress build up.
7. Learn simple Pranayama (slow, mindful, deep breathing), and meditation techniques.
Mindfulness meditation has utility in all aspects of your life. Everyone must learn this simple
and yet most important technique. Can be practiced anywhere, anytime. These have multiple
benefits including stress reduction. Even few minutes are enough.
8. Self-awareness is the most important habit to develop. Keep a separate journal for that. Find
out your beliefs, values, strengths, weaknesses, your fears, what angers you, what you love.
When you do these, you will be able to improve your weaknesses and become stronger.
9. Do some exercises regularly. Outdoor ones like jogging, walking with precautions are best. If
not do some home exercises. Provides health improvement and it is an excellent stress buster.
10. Maintain Good sleep hygiene: Have a regular, and adequate sleep routine. Avoid screen time
30 minutes before sleeping and after waking up. Avoid violent and sad movies before sleep.
11. Begin journaling your thoughts. Reduces stress and brings focus. Every day, write few things
you are grateful for. Write a few good things that happened during the day. Need not be big
things. Could be in any area. These are research proven methods of mood improvement.
12. Accept yourself and the situation without negativity. Then focus on what best small step you
can take right now, and do it lovingly. You will feel better immediately.
13. Practicing being joyful improves physical immunity, and improves chances of success. Learn
to smile and laugh several times a day.
14. Regularly pray to higher power for strength and wisdom to face any situation.
15. Every hour affirm that you are a strong, capable, happy and peaceful person. When you feel
stress build up, affirm “I love peace.” Or “I choose to be peaceful.”
The resources for this journey (books, articles, videos) are available on the net. However, to kick start
this process with least effort, you may like to visit my webpage.
Stay cheerful, stay healthy!
Pradeep R. Bijwe