College takes a toll on your mental health in a normal semester. Between exams, sleep deprivation, social exhaustion, professors who are abysmal at answering emails, sharing a room in a lot of cases, and the (sometimes very) high alcohol consumption, your health takes a real hit. This Fall, all of the regular college stress is piled on top of the ever-present sense of impending doom from the coronavirus. Will I get it? Will my friends get it? Will we get sent home before the end of the semester? What happens if I have to quarantine in my glorified cubicle of a dorm room? These are all valid feelings. College students now are the generation that will be talked about when people look back on the COVID era in the future. In case no one has told you, you’re doing pretty damn well with the cards you’ve been dealt. But here are some tips to keep you as mentally healthy as possible as long as college and life in general are affected by the coronavirus.
- Communicate with Professors
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Students are overwhelmed with figuring out online courses and adjusted schedules, but professors are dealing with the same situation. Many of them have never taught an online class before, so if you’re struggling, reach out to them! They are probably more than happy to help you because they’re still getting used to all of this too. If you go to a bigger school, try to reach out to a TA or other students in the class for help. Also, try to cut your professors a little slack if they aren’t perfect while they go through this.
- Self Care, Self Care, Self Care
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I know you hear this everywhere, but seriously. Self-care is so important, and so much more than just a trend or aesthetic Instagram stories. Remember to shower, even when you’re swamped with work and running between classes and other commitments. Treat yourself, light your favorite candle (or use an essential oil diffuser if you live in a dorm or are just fire safety-conscious), take a nap when you need it, listen to your favorite music. You can do most of this while you study, too. Your environment can be both relaxing and productive, I promise.
- Check In With Your RA
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Your RA’s job is more than just to nark on you. They’re college students too, and they’ve been through similar struggles to whatever you’re facing. Especially in the age of corona, they’re dealing with trying to navigate restrictions too and are trained to help you out and find the resources you need to succeed or connect you to counseling services.
- Look Good, FEEL Good
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Look, I love sweats as much as anyone and you’ll rarely catch me around campus in something other than leggings and a hoodie. But I try to put on makeup and wear clothes that make me feel like the cool, badass boss lady I am at least once a week. After months of quarantining in my childhood bedroom, it feels surprisingly refreshing to get a little dressed up even if it’s just to go to class or a meeting.
- SLEEP, PLEASE!
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I would say 8 hours, because that’s healthy, but realistically please try and get at least 6 solid hours in. College is a sleep thief in a regular semester, but Corona has warped our sense of time and it can get even worse if you end up having to quarantine for a couple of weeks at school. Try and set as regular of a schedule as you can; if you’re like me and 1:00 a.m. is an early night, make sure you’re only staying up that late if you can start your days a little later. Your brain needs to rest as much as your body.
- Take a Break from Screens
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Gen Z grew up around screens, but Zoom classes are a lot, even for us. Try and take a break somehow, whether it’s with a book, some vitamin D, or a power nap.
- Cut yourself some slack
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NO ONE has ever gone through something quite like this, so try not to beat yourself up if you’re not your best self right now. Yes, it’s been months since lockdown started and this is our new normal for now, but it’s 100% okay if you’re still adjusting to juggling campus life in the time of the Coronavirus.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but hopefully, it gives you some ideas!