For most of us, the changes we’ve experienced in the last several months have been difficult to navigate. If you’re looking for healthy ways to cope with our new reality, consider the following tips from OTC Counseling Services:
Maintain routines as much as possible. Whether you are returning to the classroom or participating in online learning, try to maintain a regular schedule throughout the day.
Practice healthy habits and the kinds of self-care that most benefit you. Prioritize getting a healthy amount of sleep, eating well, avoiding alcohol, and moving or exercising regularly.
Avoid crowds — but stay connected. While group gatherings aren’t a good idea right now, it’s important to make the effort to stay connected to friends and family through social media, email, texting, and video calls. While the weather is nice, try spending time face-to-face with your loved ones outdoors, where social distancing is possible.
Seek news only from reliable sources, and only in short stints. As with all things, we can find ourselves over-consuming news and updates. Try not to become absorbed in the coverage for long periods of time, and find opportunities to appropriately disconnect when you can.
Take breaks to ease your mind and distract yourself when you start to worry. Get up and go for a walk. Play a game. Watch a movie. Stretch or practice yoga. Try a meditation app. Visit this link for more self-care skills.
About OTC Counseling Services
OTC Counseling Services is a team of licensed mental health counselors who offer a wide range of confidential, professional counseling services free of charge to currently enrolled students. Click here to learn more or request an appointment.