The recent virus outbreak has taken a toll on everyone across the world in many ways. I, like most people coming home from college early, have been in a bit of a funk. I know that everything could be worse and that I am blessed to have a roof over my head, it doesn't change the fact that being an extrovert stuck inside for weeks has had my mind everywhere. I started to feel like I have run out of things to do but here are some ways I have helped my mind and soul
1. Start off the day with two positive statements
This past semester I had a 9 am class where my professor made us go around the room and list two encouraging things about ourselves. During the beginning of the semester, I believed that it was silly and doing that could not possibly make you feel better. I was wrong. Now I begin my day telling myself I am capable and speaking good things into existence. Treat every day as if it's a blank page and tell yourself about everything you plan on accomplishing.
2. Take frequent study breaks
Studying and making sure to complete your work is crucial to online classes, but don't let these classes burn you out of the subject. Set goals for yourself on how many breaks you are going to take a day. I prefer to make to-do lists for all of my classes and try to take breaks between subjects. When I am having a day where I can't stay focused on a class (I'm talking about you Statistics), I use the Pomodoro Technique to manage my study and break time. I always feel way calmer when I have time set for myself during a day of online classes.
3. Experiment with something new
Explore Pinterest and Youtube and find some sweet new DIY crafts to do. Rearrange your room. Learn how to paint. Go outside and take pictures of the world around you (from your yard.. social distancing is real). The main thing is to do something different so you're not drowning in your schoolwork or just feeling that there is nothing you can do.
4. Eat good & exercise
I have always heard the term "brain food", but I never knew exactly what those foods where and how they affected my body. Food is essential to your physical health but did you know that it also is essential to your mental health in more ways than you would think? Your productivity and sleep can tie into what kind of foods you eat, so try to make your meals count. Make sure to also stay active while being at home. While this can difficult and you would much rather binge watch Netflix, do one thing active at least once a day. I am trying to get into the habit of taking my dog outside to run around and play fetch, I am loving it and so is he.
5. Establish a good sleep schedule
I started off my extended spring break by sleeping in until 1 pm every day, this played a huge toll on my health. I would stay tired and unproductive all day and would not want to get anything accomplished. It was always "I'll just do it tomorrow." As soon as online classes started I knew I had to go to sleep at a reasonable time and wake up by at least 10 am. This has put me on track and puts me one step closer to having a great day. Starting your day off well-rested can help you concentrate and stay on task.
6. Check in with your friends and how they feel
While you are going through tough and trying times your friends are most likely feeling the same way you are. Making sure to connect with them is essential to keeping everyone sane during this situation. Everyone is frantically trying to get their life together (some do so by hoarding toilet paper) and your friends could be feeling down lately too. Check up on those you love and make sure to let them know you are there for them. Try out Netflix Party or make a group Zoom call, we could all use social interaction with each other.
7. Talk about how you are feeling
While everyone is making light of this situation, we all have some sort of disappointment we are holding onto due to COVID-19. For me that was not getting to finish out my Sophomore year on campus. Instead of holding these things in, talk to people and let them know how you feel and why you feel that way. Having someone to talk can help you realize what you have around you and that your feelings are valid.
8. Make the best of the situation
This virus has caused some good things as well. Our environment is doing well since many factories aren't putting out toxins. Some families are connected again and are getting to finally eat dinner together. Pets are getting the quality time with their humans. When you look at a situation like this, it is crucial to not dwell on the bad things and just to look at the good things going on in the world.
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