Student Message
Posted March 24, 2020
March 24, 2020
Welcome to our temporary new normal. Now that you have begun taking classes online, we would like to share some helpful health tips:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Continue physical or social distancing and good hygiene practices to decrease your likelihood of COVID-19 spread. When washing your hands try enjoying one of your favorite 20-second jingles.
- Know the Symptoms: Fever, cough and shortness of breath will help you know when to contact the emergency department for care and guidance.
- Plan for Physical Activity: Leading a more sedentary lifestyle, for the time being, may have a negative effect on mood, may exacerbate body image concerns and support the development of habits that may be difficult to break later. Campus Recreation is offering virtual workout classes, with more options launching regularly.
- Proper Nutrition: As you choose your meals, and especially your snacks, remember to balance your protein with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Small meals frequently or three balanced meals daily will be better for you than many large meals throughout the day.
- Get Some Sleep: Naps may creep into your daily schedule – it is important to maintain a normal sleep pattern that allows enough time for your REM cycle to occur.
- Self-Care: Identify an app that increases the accessibility of meditation or something that specifically seeks to lower stress. Check out the Calm and Headspace apps to get started.
- Mental Well-Being: In times like these, incorporate practices that support gratitude. Journaling, posting on social media and communicating with an accountability partner on this can all help the process along.
- Counseling Services Resources: The evidence suggests that treatment format (in-person vs. online) is like treatment length (brief vs. long-term) in that neither are particularly predictive of outcomes in psychotherapy. Instead, what truly matters is that you: 1) have identified and are working toward your goals in a thoughtful way, 2) do your work outside of therapy and 3) lean into the professional connection with your therapist, as this is the primary vehicle for change.
- Ensure you have a computer or phone with A/V features, as Zoom can be downloaded on either.
- Identify a headset if needed or desired.
- Test your equipment to ensure it is functioning properly.
- Try your best to set up in a location that is quiet with as few distractions as possible.
- Try your best to enable your therapist to see as much of you as possible. Remember, nonverbal cues are a pivotal element of communication.
- For further details, please visit the Counseling Services website.
As you continue to transition to the “temporary new normal,” know that our departments and others across campus will continue to provide the services and support to which you have become accustomed, just in a new way.
With Cougar Pride,
Keith Becherer, Campus Recreation
Courtney Boddie, PhD, Counseling Services
Riane B. Greenwalt, Health Service
Dennis Wobbe, Dining Services
