Understanding the Paradox of Stress.

Stress is something I recently discussed with my students, especially when talking about the reasons behind some of their poor academic performances. I was surprised to learn that many of them attributed their struggles to stress, despite coming from middle or upper-middle-class families where parents go to great lengths to ensure their children’s comfort. These students have access to the best schools, coaching classes, and all necessary facilities, yet their performance still suffers.

This led me to wonder whether the stress might actually stem from the comforts provided to them. When we look back into history, we find examples like Babasaheb Ambedkar, who faced immense struggles just to gain an education. He would stand outside classrooms, striving to listen to the teacher and gain knowledge. Our children don’t face such challenges, yet they still claim to be stressed.

Another issue that students frequently bring up today is mental health. They seem to overthink, compare themselves to others, and worry about the comforts others have that they might lack, leading to mental stress. I believe that parents should strike a good balance between love and strictness when dealing with their kids. This balance is crucial for helping children navigate stress and focus on their academic and personal growth.