We will get through this together. (Or, like, not literally together, but you get what we mean.)
One way to stay motivated through this period of social distancing is to remember why you’re doing it in the first place, the end goal. Not only is staying home protecting you from the coronavirus, but it’s protecting others you may come into contact with as well. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more about proactive measures we should all be taking and why it’s so important.
Next: Pause and Breathe
If you feel anxious, worried, or stressed, you are not alone. It is okay to take a step back, pause, and take care of yourself. Remember to focus on what you know is true and what is within your control versus what is not. This focus will assist you in both preventing and getting out of anxiety-fueled thought spirals. Below are just a few resources you might find helpful. And remember, you always have a home at Marian.
Mindfulness Apps
Relaxation Videos
Next: Stay Connected
"Rah rah, ah ah ah, ro-ma roma mah." While serenading your plant with Lady Ga Ga's "Bad Romance" is a perfectly fine afternoon activity, try to stay connected with those around you. Whether it be through social media, FaceTime, or in a WebEx work meeting, be intentional about communicating with others (humans).
Next: Exercise
"Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy." - Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
The Drew Family Health and Fitness Center on campus might be closed for the time being, but don't let that stop you from staying active. Not only is exercise important for your physical health, it's also one way to combat stress and worry. Read this MayoClinic article about how exercise releases endorphins.
Next: Help Others
Helping one another in solidarity is a powerful force. There are countless ways to help during this time, even from your own couch. You can order food from a local restaurant or donate to a charity supporting children who are no longer able to receive a school lunch. No matter what you choose, you will make an impact.
Interested in helping but looking for a free option? Students Taking Active Reflective Roles (STARR), a student organization on campus, is currently asking for special notes to be written for the elderly residents at Alpha House, a nursing home near Marian. Submit an encouraging note to esmith293@marian.edu by April 3.
