‘Opportunity to Explore New Ways to Stay Connected’.
The novel coronavirus has forced each of us to endure drastic changes in our daily lives for the sake of our physical health. This unexpected global and personal challenge, and the uncertainty that surrounds it, can take a toll on our mental and emotional health, as well.
It is important to know that you are not alone, and there are resources at SPH to help you process and navigate this challenging time. Ilana Schlesinger, wellness coordinator at the School of Public Health, is available to meet with SPH students, faculty, staff, and alumni, via Zoom or by phone, to discuss these resources and to help people create a self-care plan. She will also hold two wellness events via Zoom each week, which will include a rotation of community check-ins, meditation sessions, and yoga classes.
“Community building is so important, especially during stressful times like graduate school,” says Schlesinger. “Being distant from that community will be a challenge, but it is also a good opportunity to explore new ways to stay connected during this time.”
Schlesinger spoke more about the current challenges that students, faculty, and staff are facing, and shared tips on how to be productive and healthy, and maintain as much normalcy in the trying times ahead.
How do the current circumstances uniquely impact students and their mental health?
Sadly, in many ways. Many students are far from their families and close communities, and this may make the distance feel even greater. We have many international students who need to keep in touch with family abroad and check in on their wellbeing.
The economic factors are huge, as many students rely on part-time jobs at restaurants, coffee shops, and gyms, which are closed for the foreseeable future. Many students live with roommates they found on Craigslist, and may have to navigate living situations as they compete for work space now that people are more likely to be home now.
Online learning will definitely be an adjustment for students. I know many students are wondering how they will be able to concentrate on schoolwork and classes amongst the worldly chaos. Many people rely on structure and routine, which is a challenge during this time. Graduate school is already such a challenging and transitory time, and the pandemic wildly decreases students’ ability to control, plan, and prepare for the future, as they try to figure out their practicums, jobs, and next steps. I also am thinking about students who rely on therapy and support groups, and hope they are given access to this remotely.
SPH faculty and staff are also dealing with similar issues. I think the biggest balancing act right now is figuring out how to continue on with normal, day-to-day work and classroom tasks when the sky is falling. It is very hard to concentrate and stay focused right now. I imagine many employees have families, and are balancing being a parent and getting work done in the home, as many, if not all, schools are closed right now. I am also thinking of folks whose partners or side jobs are impacted.
What are some of the main concerns and questions students have voiced so far?
Some of the biggest issues include the financial concerns listed above, and being able to continue on with class as usual, when there is so much unknown and fear and lack of control. Several students are very concerned about the isolation, and don’t have close relationships with their roommates and worry about how this time will be for their mental and emotional health. I think because of all the unknowns and the adjustment period, people are struggling with setting a routine and schedule, which is very helpful for those who are feeling out of control. There are also students concerned about their ability to learn online, and fear that they won’t do as well this semester or get as much out of their education.
What are a few basic tips for students to maintain as much normalcy as possible for the rest of the semester?
Developing and sticking to a morning routine will be very helpful. I would love to say that everyone should wake up, meditate, move their bodies, journal about their feelings, then make a super nutritious breakfast before starting their day—I know that is unrealistic though, so whatever small wellness and self-care practices they can complete, whether in the morning, or in-between tasks throughout the day, is good.
Staying socially connected to support is huge. Perhaps start an email chain with your closest friends and check in on what everyone is having for lunch, or watch an episode of Parks and Rec with your sister via Zoom, or schedule pre-class check-ins with your classmates.
Get outside if you are not quarantined. Just because we are physically distant does not mean we can’t take walks, clear our heads, and breathe in nature.
Time block, and schedule time to worry. This time calls for the ability to be flexible, however, planning your day in advance as much as possible can be really helpful. Maybe plan for half an hour of worry time/internet-surfing, so that it’s contained to one part of your day, instead of leaking into all facets of life.
Get up and move, shake it out, watch a funny YouTube video, play board games, and give yourself time and space for some levity in this situation.
To set up a time to meet with Schlesinger, click here. For information on upcoming SPH wellness events, click here. For more wellness tips, click here.