Ten Ways to Soothe the Stress of Social-Distancing

Stressed, worried, or perhaps just freaking out a little? We feel you. Even though our typical campus environment has shifted this semester, we still plan on doing everything we can (from near or far) to help you stay grounded during this strange, scary time. We’re counting down some of our favorite ways to soothe stress and anxiety when it all starts to feel like too much. As always, we’ve got you, ChathamU.   💜

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Take care of your body

· Take a virtual workout class—the AFC has launched Zoom wellness classes Monday-Friday from 2pm-3pm (Meeting ID: 620 313 422; check MyChatham Happenings or the Chatham app for more info)

· Go for a walk or run outside—endorphins and vitamin D are a sure-fire combo to reduce the stress and anxiety of being pent-up in the house.
· Sleep, sleep, sleep—it may sound obvious but getting a good seven to nine hours is a sure fire ticket to feeling better.

Find ways for fun

Fun might look a little different than usual right now but it’s still possible. Here are a few suggestions:

· Have a FaceTime movie night with your friends
· Try cooking one of these yummy recipes that utilize pantry staples, aka little to no grocery shopping
· Visit a museum (virtually)
· Give Zoom Karaoke a whirl

Utilize your resources

Stressed about studying? Though the main library spaces are closed, you can still talk with librarians using our Ask a Librarian chat service or schedule a research consultation via Zoom.

Stressed about virtual classes? Counseling Services will offer Zoom workshops in the coming weeks on time management, stress management, and more. Be on the lookout for offerings starting the week of March 30th and throughout the rest of the semester.

Stressed about everything? Counseling Services is taking appointments for phone counseling; call and leave a message at 412-365-1282. We are also offering TalkCampus, an online, anonymous support community that will allow you to interact with peers, trained volunteers, and professional staff. The app also offers the option to set your own trigger filters to block you from viewing posts with certain keywords. TalkCampus is monitored in real time so if you are in crisis, you’ll get individual attention quickly. Download and begin using TalkCampus today.

Meditate

If you have a regular meditation practice, now is the perfect time to ramp it up. When we practice mindfulness with everyday annoyances, it can make it easier to tap into that during high-stress situations. If you’ve never meditated, check out these resources or download an app like Stop, Breathe & Think that offers free, guided meditations.

Eat with intention

Who among us is a stranger to stress eating? While it may be tempting to eat the entire sleeve of Oreos in your pantry, we promise it won’t do anything to alleviate your stress in the long term. The following foods, though? Delicious anxiety anecdotes: salmon, turmeric, dark chocolate, yogurt, and green tea.

Don’t go it alone

Social distancing doesn’t mean you have to be isolated, especially not in our digital age. These times are overwhelming, scary, and uncertain—call your friends, call your family, lean on the people you love. You are not a burden.

Feel your feelings

Be present with whatever emotions come up inside your body, they’re valid. It may seem easier to numb, ignore, or distract yourself, but letting yourself feel and acknowledge any emotion you are experiencing will help ground you in the moment.

Try journaling

Having anxious thoughts? Try writing down everything that’s bouncing around in your head each morning. Getting your thoughts out on paper might help you identify what is irrational, what is solvable, and what you can let go of.

Put down your phone & take a walk

It’s good to stay updated, but it’s easy to never disconnect in this news cycle. Check in on the news once or twice a day and make sure it’s a reliable source, like the CDC or WHO. Get outside, get some fresh air, and be mindful that this isn’t going to last forever.

Help take care of someone else

Sometimes, when we’re in our own head, the best move is to connect ourselves to something outside of us. Text a friend and see how they’re feeling today. Ask an elderly neighbor if there are any supplies you can drop off for them. Give your pet a bath and water your plants. Doing something for someone else can help you feel productive and less isolated.

Questions, comments or concerns about COVID-19 and the rest of the semester? Visit Chatham’s COVID-19 updates page for FAQ, updates, recommendations, and more.