Planning and Anxiety Workshop

Anxiety is a common emotional response to academic pressures, deadlines, and uncertainty. Effective planning is one of the key strategies that can help reduce anxiety, enhance time management, and boost student performance. As part of Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences’ (FCMS) commitment to promoting mental well-being and academic success, the Student Activity Affairs Unit, in collaboration with the college Social Worker, Ms. Safaa Shaaban, conducted a targeted session titled "Planning and Anxiety." The session aimed to equip students with practical tools to manage stress and enhance productivity through structured planning techniques.

Goals and Objectives

• Raise awareness about the relationship between poor planning and increased anxiety.
• Provide students with effective planning and time management strategies.
• Promote mental wellness and stress reduction in academic life.
• Encourage students to seek help and adopt proactive coping mechanisms.
• Create a supportive and open environment for discussing mental health challenges.

Description of learning outcomes achieved through the activity

Through this session, students developed a better understanding of how effective planning can serve as a protective factor against anxiety, particularly during exams and high-stress periods. They were introduced to simple, evidence-based methods for daily scheduling, prioritization, and breaking tasks into manageable steps. The interactive discussion encouraged participants to reflect on their current habits and identify areas for improvement. Students also became more comfortable discussing anxiety and learned about available support resources at FCMS.

Day and Date: Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Time: 12:00-1:00 P.M  

Venue: Room 1, Second floor, Building 3

Targeted Audience: Students from MBBS, PharmD, Nursing, and MLS programs

Brief description of the activity

-The session, conducted by social worker Ms. Safaa Shaaban, combined a short educational talk with open discussion. Students and staff were encouraged to share their experiences with anxiety and explore practical planning methods to overcome it. The session emphasized a proactive approach to time management as a way to improve both mental health and academic outcomes. Printed planning templates and tips were shared to encourage immediate application..

Staff participation in the activity: 11 faculty and administrative staff members

Student participation in the activity

• 15 students from various FCMS programs
• Total attendance: 26 participants

Participants’ Feedback

• Student satisfaction survey results: 4.8/5 (96%)
• Participants reported improved confidence in managing their time and appreciated the open, supportive environment. Many expressed interest in attending future sessions on academic stress and mental wellness.

Conclusion

The "Planning and Anxiety" session provided valuable psychological and academic support to FCMS students and staff. It addressed a key issue affecting student performance and mental health, while offering actionable solutions. By fostering awareness, sharing tools, and promoting a culture of openness, this session helped strengthen FCMS’s efforts to create a mentally healthy, success-oriented academic environment.

Annexes

• Attendance sheet
• Photos from the session
• Copies of planning handouts