If there is one thing we can all agree on is that this virus completely blindsided us. One day we were all going to our classes not knowing that it would be the last time we would see our professors or classmates. Campuses completely shut down, meaning that students had to move from their dorms and find other places to live. Student clubs and sports were all cancelled. This was not a shut down for just a week, this shutdown is for the rest of the semester. For many seniors, their last games were cut short and unexpectedly, graduation ceremonies and parties are out of the picture for many. A moment of celebration for all their hard work and participation at their schools for the last couple of years all cut short. This time has really made many college students and the world, very scared, anxious and depressed with everyone’s lives being put on hold. Understanding that self isolation in your home is what is best for everyone right now, after awhile it can take a toll on your mental health. Here are some tips to help you get through this tough time.
- Exercise – It may be very tempting to sit at home and eat all of your quarantine snacks, but what better time to try the at home workouts you’ve been putting off. According to www.cdc.gov, getting your body moving and blood flowing can help lift your spirits and help relieve the anxiety that you may be feeling. Sticking to a workout program can help you get a structured routine going and make you feel both physically and emotionally better. Here’s a link to a workout program that I have been doing, feel free to check it out :)! https://www.chloeting.com/program/2019/hourglass-program.html
- Read & Journal – Sometimes our lives felt so busy that picking up a book was never really an option for us. Now that we have extra time, reading and Journaling can be a great way to feed your mind and reduce stress. There is no better feeling then letting your mind escape in a book. When things get scary and you feel yourself getting anxious, writing down your thoughts can be very beneficial for you. Try picking up a self help book or bible, whatever can help you get through this tough time and can help you come out of this stronger.
- Keep in contact with family– You may not be allowed to visit friends and family but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay in contact. With the technology we have today, communicating virtually with loved ones is very simple. Take this time to call a family member or friend and catch up. Maintaining that contact with loved ones can help get you out of the anxious state. Having support and help from others makes you feel less alone.
- Plan out your day– Now with all this time, it can be very easy to lose track of it. I certainly experienced it, thinking I was only going to watch one episode on Netflix and ending up watching the whole season. As mentioned in https://www.nami.org/covid-19-guide , when you schedule your day and plan things to do it helps you maintain active and your mind from wandering into negative thoughts. This is the perfect time to clean out your closet, paint furniture, start a garden, organize your room, wash your car. Having structure back into your day can give you that routine that you had when you were in school. Giving each day a purpose.
Hopefully with these tips, when quarantine is all over and we have defeated this virus, you can come out a in great shape, smarter, organized and ready to move forward. Remember to also stay positive, with everyone doing their part and with the amazing help of healthcare workers we can get through this! Stay happy and healthy everyone!
Mental Health Of College Students 