This semester has been filled with loads of online assignments, awkward Zoom meetings, and so much confusion. Fall of 2020 will most likely be one of the hardest semesters we will face in our college career. Since the beginning of the pandemic, it has been difficult for most to have a positive mindset. I know I haven’t always been able to stay motivated, but there are some things that have helped me feel less isolated. To make your experience a little less stressful and lonely, here a few things you can do to help make sure your mental health doesn’t suffer.
Go for a walk
It’s hard to continue to be active when you feel constantly stuck in one place. Somedays, all I want to do is lay in bed and watch Netflix or TikTok for hours. Instead of wrapping your head around an effortful workout plan, start small. Go for a walk!
It’s the beginning of Fall, which means the Michigan State trees are truly in their best form. Don’t miss out on the beautiful foliage. Find new music or listen to a new podcast and enjoy our campus or your neighborhood at home.
Walking has tons of benefits for your physical and mental health. It can boost your energy by increasing oxygen flow throughout your body. It can also improve your mood by reducing anxiety, depression and social withdrawal. Walking in the morning is such a great start to a productive day!
FaceTime an old friend
Another way to make your day better is by reaching out to an old friend you miss. Isolation can be daunting and lead you to feel alone. Talking to someone you love can make you happier, more self-confident, and reduce stress.
My best friend from high school attends a different university and we try to reach out to each other at least once a week. You could also reach out to a family member you haven’t talked to in a while. Everyone is struggling with the pandemic in some way and knowing you have someone to talk to makes it manageable.
Try to do something new
Since most of us (hopefully) are minimizing our time in groups, I recommend trying a new hobby! Learn how to macramé. Or start bullet journaling. With YouTube, there are an endless amount of things you can learn how to do! You could also visit a place you’ve never been before, socially distanced of course. The state of Michigan has tons of beautiful locations to discover that are just a short drive away.
I hope some of these ideas help make studying at home more bearable. Remember, although the world feels like it’s ending, it’s not. Soon everything will be back to normal and we will all be able to cherish the moments we have been missing.