We all know there’s still a global pandemic going on. Social distancing is still as important as ever but challenging. In fact, it’s even worse than before, because college is back in session and things have gotten a lot more interesting… and by interesting, I mean completely bonkers. Which is why we need to consider our mental health through these challenging times, especially those of us who have already been struggling with it before COVID-19. Therefore, I present to you the five things I’ve learned and recommend to us students whilst quarantining and taking online classes.
1. Don’t eat, sleep, or do your hobbies in the same place you work.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Don’t sh*t where you eat”? It kind of applies to this situation. Studying and taking classes has always been stressful, but before the pandemic, we always got to leave the classroom behind, the place associated with that stress and hard work. Last semester, I was doing everything in the same room. At first, it wasn’t an issue, but as the days went on…I was borderline about to smack my head against a wall. Try to keep your workspace separated from your living/enjoyment area by doing it in different rooms. This helps your mind differentiate from work mode and chill time but also provides diversity in your ambiance every day.
2. Take breaks for self-reflection or relaxation.
We are constantly doing tons of work online. It’s good to try our best, but it’s also important not to burn ourselves out. None of us are perfect and we all face times where we feel unaccomplished. We need to seek positive thoughts either by listening to self-help podcasts, meditation or even practicing your religious beliefs (if you have any). Remember, you always come first.
3. Work out… or not.
If you actually thought I was going to tell you to work out, you are sadly mistaken. Every mental health article advises you to do so and with good reason, because it has so many benefits. Am I going to do it? No. Not in this lifetime and a lot of you will probably agree. Therefore, if you seem to not be able to convince yourself to do a squat… learn something new! I taught myself how to bake and got the five extra pounds to prove it. Be creative! You can try painting a Bob Ross tutorial, pottery, cooking, sewing, drawing, makeup, etc. The sky is the limit!
4. STOP. ONLINE. SHOPPING.
Shopping can be a welcoming distraction from anxiety, but it’s not healthy if you’re using it as a coping mechanism. Don’t hurt your savings, try avoiding retail websites because, “I’m just looking”, is a lie we tell ourselves to sleep better at night. If you have an issue with impulsive buying, try to push back the purchase. If weeks later you still passionately want those roller-skates you saw on Tik Tok, then go for it.
5. Don’t be a stranger
We are so busy with classes, getting sucked up in social media, and dealing with our emotions that we forget to reach out to those we care about. Remember to send a text to that friend you haven’t spoken to in weeks. Odds are that they are going through the same thing as you. Quarantine has brought us all down and it’s important to nurture our relationships in any way we can. Speaking to someone who has the same struggles as you can be comforting and it’s way better than isolating yourself to the brink of extreme loneliness.