Time management is a very crucial component to lead a successful life. As an individual, we have a variety of roles to play in life. These roles do require a lot of time to be nurtured. Therefore, sometimes it seems to be very difficult to manage the time effectively. Rigid schedules aren’t always practical, so it’s essential to find flexible strategies that work for us. These strategies tailor our time. Here are some valid time management tips that you must follow: – 

Set clear goals 

Before contributing your time to anyone you must know your goals effectively. Your goals will help you to set the priority for your life. Your priorities will then define how much time you must contribute to each task. Thus, clear goals here play a detrimental role in determining your success. 

Prioritize your tasks 

When you give priority to those tasks that are more important to you, it will help you to have efficient time management. In case you feel that you are contributing more time to those tasks that are comparatively less crucial to you, then you must change your direction. Thus, giving priority to more important tasks will help you have the optimal output of your time. 

Use a to-do-list 

Rather than calculating in your mind, you must use a pen and paper. Using pen and paper will help you get more clarity on the tasks that you are required to do. This will ensure that you must engage yourself in your priorities. Generally, one makes to-do lists in the morning, however, you can add them to the requirements of the time. 

Break tasks down 

Please divide the heavy tasks into small parts to get them done effectively. Once we start completing it part by part, it will not only help us to effectively manage our time but also make us comfortable with our tasks. This is especially applicable to mega projects that companies work for. They always tend to distribute the tasks that are directed toward one goal. Thus, please break down your tasks into simpler ones. 

Limit distractions 

One of the crucial barriers to time management is that distracts us from the task. We must try to complete the tasks in a distraction-free environment. Delegation of distraction is one of the effective strategies that we must apply to make a working environment. Those components that create distractions are known as distractors. For instance: – The mobile notification is a distractor. Thus, we must put all such distractors away from the working environment. Those distractors which are confounding in nature must be balanced accordingly. 

Use time management tools:- 

There are a lot of online applications and AI tools that will help you to set your reminders, notifications, screen time control and even a good to-do list creator. In this digital world, we can use these tools to aid in the process of our time management. These tools are also viable helpers in case of modifications in the priority of tasks if you allow them to have the insight to provide analysis on your tasks. You can even ask the AI regarding the required time for the completion of the tasks by signalling them regarding your speed. 

Learn to say no 

Saying not respectfully to non-essential tasks is an art in itself. We must learn to say no to people whenever required. It will help us in the efficient execution of the tasks as per our plan. By setting boundaries and making deliberate choices about where to invest your time, you ensure that your efforts are concentrated on activities that contribute most meaningfully to your objectives. This not only enhances efficiency but also promotes a healthier balance between work, personal life, and other responsibilities. 

Set realistic deadlines 

We must set realistic deadlines rather than having any superhuman goals. Our goals must be achieved in a way that it is humanly possible for us to complete them. A key benefit of setting realistic deadlines is the reduction of unnecessary stress. When deadlines are too tight or unrealistic, it can lead to rushed work, decreased quality, and heightened anxiety. On the other hand, achievable deadlines allow for a more balanced workflow, giving you sufficient time to complete tasks thoroughly and efficiently. 

Thus, it can be concluded that the time in our hands is one of the most crucial things that we must employ efficiently. Efficient time management not only enhances our ability to meet deadlines and deliver quality work but also allows us to allocate time for personal growth, relaxation, and meaningful relationships, ensuring a fulfilling and well-rounded life.

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We often label individuals as “anti-social” when they’re struggling with anxiety. This anxiety can stem from a fear of meeting new people, engaging in conversations, and facing potential judgment. This overwhelming fear can lead them to withdraw or avoid social interactions altogether. It’s crucial to understand that this behaviour isn’t a deliberate avoidance of social interaction, but rather a reflection of internal battles with anxiety.

The dictionary definition of social anxiety is “An extreme fear of humiliating or embarrassing oneself in social situations” but it’s so much more than that. It is being in a crowded room with your heart racing. Your palms become clammy, and a knot forms in your stomach, twisting tighter with each passing moment. The voice in your head is that of a critic who on somedays whispers in your ear while on somedays it screams and yells at you. It is the art of overthinking the impression one hasn’t even made yet.

STIGMA 

Social anxiety can be traced back to ancient times, with early descriptions by Hippocrates in the 4th century B.C. Hippocrates referred to it as ‘shyness’, describing individuals who were inclined to “love darkness as life” and who believed that “every man observes him.” These observations suggest a recognition of social anxiety-like symptoms, reflecting an ancient understanding of the condition’s manifestations.

It’s important to understand that people dealing with social anxiety aren’t ‘just shy’. These individuals may be dismissed as simply needing to “come out of their shell” or “be more outgoing,” without recognizing the depth of their anxiety and the impact it has on their daily lives. As a result, people with social anxiety may feel invalidated or overlooked, exacerbating their feelings of isolation and alienation. Social anxiety is a merciless jailer, its prison walls forged not of iron but of cruel insecurities and haunting doubts, keeping its victims shackled in a cycle of isolation and self-doubt. 

Moreover, the anxiety and pressure individuals with social anxiety feel around people can lead to avoidance behaviour and other unhealthy coping mechanisms. Avoidance becomes a tempting strategy to ease immediate discomfort, but it ultimately reinforces the cycle of anxiety and perpetuates the stigma surrounding social anxiety. This avoidance can take place in forms such as skipping social events, declining invitations, or even withdrawing from relationships altogether.

Social anxiety is not a character flaw or a personality trait but a mix of genetic, psychological and environmental factors. Reducing it to mere shyness belittles the daily battles faced by individuals contending with this challenge.

IMPACT ON STUDENTS

Students are plagued with a myriad of fears, including fear of failure, fear towards professors, and fear of challenging subjects. For individuals coping with social anxiety, there’s an added fear of interacting with others. This form of anxiety can profoundly impact students, creating a learning atmosphere that impedes their academic progress. Consequently, they may experience feelings of isolation, alienation, diminished self-esteem, and reduced confidence. Moreover, social anxiety can hinder students from expressing themselves and participating actively, causing them to miss out on valuable educational and social opportunities.

In the classroom, social anxiety can act as a hindrance to participation, hindering students from speaking up, asking questions, or engaging in group activities. The fear of drawing attention to oneself or being judged by peers can lead to a reluctance to seek help or clarification, ultimately impeding academic progress and creating a sense of inadequacy.

The constant worry about social interactions can detract from focus and concentration, making it challenging to absorb information or perform well academically. In extreme cases, social anxiety may even lead to school avoidance or dropout, robbing students of valuable opportunities for growth and development.

COPING MECHANISMS

Starting with a conversation on mental health can help create awareness, as it is crucial to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for this condition. What works for one person may not work for another. One valuable tool for coping with social anxiety is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This therapeutic approach helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with social anxiety. Through CBT, individuals learn to reframe irrational beliefs, develop coping strategies for anxiety-provoking situations, and gradually expose themselves to feared social scenarios in a supportive environment.

When you are struggling with social anxiety, it’s important to practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace, as you would do with someone you love who is suffering. The more supportive of yourself you are, the less you’ll turn to self-criticism and harsh judgments. This shift in mindset can help you cope better and build greater resilience. Spend time on activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul such as exercise, meditation, creative expression, and connecting with nature to recharge your energy levels.

Building a support network of trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals can also provide invaluable support for individuals struggling with social anxiety. A safe space can be important when coping with social anxiety. It provides an environment where you can express your fears and share experiences without judgment or criticism. Finding a community that understands and supports you through difficult moments can be immensely beneficial. Having a safe space to express yourself, vent your frustrations, and receive encouragement can go a long way in helping you cope

CONCLUSION

For those who are struggling with the above, I know it may feel like your anxiety or nervousness may be protecting you. An anxious mind will always find something to be afraid of, it is only when we step in and speak that we set ourselves free. Remember, you are the main character of your life, not a sidekick. And to those who might have friends who are dealing with social anxiety, sometimes a hug can do wonders. Now that I have a supportive family and encouraging friends who don’t judge me even if I make a bad pun, Belle has disappeared, for the better this time.

The post Social Anxiety and The Perks of Having an Imaginary Friend appeared first on DU Times.

Talking about the mental health would be so far if we are not able to recognise our own potentials, capabilities, desires and choices.

How can we recognise ourselves?

1) Personal Identity : it is a group of factors that make one different from others. For instance, one would have been honest and hardworking while the other would have been a believer in fate and destiny.

2) Social Identity : it refers to the social and cultural aspects of an individual to which he/she is linked to. For instance, one might be Indian while the other would have been American.

In both the identities there are different and contrasting aspects and characteristics which might be present in the varying individuals. Only the need is to identify our own features and ourselves. Then we cling to our personal and social identities and feel safe about it to remain stable with us in our lifetime.

Once we become familiar with our inner strengths and weaknesses, then we would be eligible for helping ourselves as well as others in any mental or emotional crisis.

In our day-to-day life, it becomes quite confusing to identify any sort of mental issues going on in an individual. So, why do we either wait for seeing the symptoms for any health issues?

Keep talking, keep sharing, be humble, and develop faith in others as well as in yourselves.

The post Do We Really Know Ourselves? appeared first on DU Times.

The university of Delhi recently started it’s online mental health counselling service. It has found that the lockdown is taking a heavy toll on mental health of students. An assessment of 45 students has revealed that a majority of them are suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, restlessness and a sense of hopelessness about their future.

DU had started the counselling service for it students on April 8, with the help of psychology faculty members, retired psychology professor and professional psychiatrist.

SP Jena, professor of applied psychology in DU and also the person in charge of the counselling service said that, “we see two types of cases. in some students existing mental health problems have exacerbated due to the lockdown induced restriction on the free movement. The other types of case involves those whose mental health problems can be linked to the lockdown alone”

He also mentioned that students who remain confined to their hostel rooms or PG accomodations reported depressive moods, sleeplessness, tendency to engage in self injurious behaviors, such as face slapping and skin picking more frequently than those who stay at home. But even those students who stay at home with their families suffer from interpersonal problems, including domestic violence.

Pacing around the room, lack of concentration in studies and unexplained crying spells were seen among a few students. Some students also spoke about their compulsive behaviors like repetitive thinking of repetitive hand washing.

“Some stay in bed for a considerable amount of time doing nothing and failing to decide what to do. When accompanied by depressive mood state, helplessness and loss of appetite may lead to major depression. In such scenarios, we ask the students to develop a schedule. We tell them to structure their days and talk to people. We even suggest then to write about Their issues.”

The DU professor suggests that mental health counselling started during the lockdown should continue. He also said that COVID-19 is not just a medical problem, it can have serious psychological consequences and cripple productivity. He Believes that establishing a viable mental health delivery system for the students will take us a long way.

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The post Rise in mental health issues among Students due to lockdown : Delhi University professor appeared first on DU Times.