I'm doing an online class and nearing the end of it. Whew! It's been 6 long months. I am burned out and experiencing anxiety. My stomach is very jumpy, as am I. I have just a few more papers and want to get through this!!!
Has anyone experienced anxiety/loneliness with online classes?
ETA: What's worse is that I haven't told my close friends out of fear of it not working out! Hence the loneliness. But my inlaws and DH have been very supportive.
Regular classes! Same thing! Count down is always stressful. You'll get there! Give yourself plenty of hurrahs. You're almost there!!
Make sure you do something nice for yourself when it's over. Sometimes these little goals can work wonders.
I experienced anxiety/loneliness with regular classes, last year. I just sat there, in the same spot, day after day, and forged my way through all my papers and assignments. Occasionally I thought, I can't do this, but I persevered. And then, it was over. And I got straight A's.
You can do it!
Become aware of and question your thoughts. You are having lots of negative thoughts about failing, what will happen, what other people will think of you, etc. Get a notebook and "puke on paper" all of these scary and vicious thoughts. Sometimes, just getting the thoughts out of your head will reduce your anxiety.
Next, simply get really curious about the thoughts. Where are they coming from? Are they really true or are you telling yourself a story? Usually we are telling ourselves stories and believing in them. The problem is that the stories are fairy tales and we never stop to realize that they are fiction rather than non-fiction.
A great tool for questioning your thoughts is The Work by Byron Katie. You can download all of the worksheets and watch videos for free on her website www.thework.com.
Allow yourself to feel your feelings fully. When you feel scared, sit down for a few minutes, hold on to the chair, and let yourself feel scared all the way to the bottom of the feeling. Don't do anything. Just sit and feel. After you fully feel your feelings you can then make decisions and take actions.
Be kind to yourself. When you feel the stress levels in your body increasing, find something to enjoy. Whether it is a hug, a picture, a walk in nature, a cup of tea, or wrapping in a warm, soft blanket.
I think you are creating this anxiety and stress yourself by not sharing what you are going through with your friends. Share that you are doing an online program, I'm sure you will receive tons of support you need.
I do tons on online training because it is less expensive than flying us all to NJ. It's not lonely for me but I am used to having a home office and spending a great deal of time alone if I am not seeing clients.
I'm finishing my first semester in grad school and I know the feeling. Look at one paper at a time and Try really heard not to look at the whole thing. That will add to the anxiety... Trust me I know! I've got anxiety and panic attacks happening at night! One step at a time and it will get done!
