Health and Wellness Resources
The Wellness Center has gathered some tips for managing mental health, stress, and anxiety during this difficult time, relevant links, and additional resources.
Tips for Managing Stress
Feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness and uncertainty are normal during a pandemic. Fortunately, being proactive about your mental health can help to keep both your mind and body stronger. Below are tips for managing mental health, stress, and anxiety during this difficult time, relevant links, and additional resources.
- Create and stick to a routine – just like you would if you were on campus and attending classes! In these uncertain times, having some regularity can be helpful for stress management and overall well-being, in addition to organization and focus. Have a start time for your day, create a to-do list, and take a lunch break.
- Take care of your body
- SLEEP – Maintain a regular sleep schedule (going to sleep and waking up at a similar time).
- NUTRITION – Eat regular meals and choose healthy foods when you have access. Limit alcohol/caffeine intake.
- EXERCISE – Schedule time to be active, such as doing an at-home workout, dancing, or relaxation practice (yoga or deep breathing). Many gyms and fitness coaches are offering live sessions, and some of these are free! Spend time outside if it is safe to do so, taking walks or going for a run. When outside, make sure to maintain distance from others and limit contact with surfaces.
- Stay connected! Even though you cannot see others in person, you can still spend time together! Use your phone, videoconferencing (Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts), or social media to connect live with friends. Get creative with how you spend time with others – beyond talking, you can play games online, watch a Netflix show together, or watch a live performance online together. Many musicians and comedians are providing free concerts and shows.
- Follow CDC guidelines as well as those established in your local area (i.e. staying home for your own health and for the safety of others).
- Stay informed, while finding balance and taking breaks from news and social media. Be careful of information overload and misinformation. It may be useful to put your electronics away (phone, computer, TV) for periods of time so that you can focus on your present experience.
- Focus on what is within your control, and letting go of what is not. Additionally, some may find that focusing on helping others can help them take things one day at a time (i.e. calling friends and family to check in, posting helpful images/quotes on social media, pitching in with tasks and chores in your house, or helping folks in your neighborhood if it is safe to do so).
- Seek out additional resources for support. We have a number of resources listed below to get you started!
