A note of support from Student Health and Counseling
March 20, 2020
Hello from your UAF counselors!
We know this is a lot. There have been a lot of changes thrown at you lately and we want you to know we are here. You matter to us!
Things have been changing rapidly and in the interest of “flattening the curve” we have discontinued in-person appointments. We will be providing tele-health services for students via SecureVideo beginning on Monday, March 23. If you currently do not have a tele-health appointment, we ask that you call via telephone in order to schedule. As your appointment day gets closer, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the video session.
We are also working together to develop online mental health resources and as well as some outreach opportunities. Below is our link to the stress and coping workshop, “Taking Charge of Your Headspace.” This takes place every Tuesday from 1-2 p.m.
Stay tuned for additional resources to come!
Wondering what else you can do to care for your mental health during this time? Here
are some quick tips:- Get good rest. It may seem tempting to stay up all night and sleep all day since you now have no classes to attend and may be working from home. It’s important to keep to a routine though. Our bodies love consistency and need it to properly produce melatonin and give us good sleep and recovery time. Seven to nine hours is ideal. NO electronics one hour before bed.
- Exercise. Go outside for a walk if you like, just remember the social distancing guidelines of 6 feet apart so try to walk somewhere where you can keep a safe distance. There are PLENTY of online workouts as well and most are free right now. One idea locally is the UAF yoga club. They will be hosting a livestream yoga class on Saturdays from 9:30-11 a.m. Just “like” their Facebook page to see the details. Or train for a virtual 5k with Nanook Recreation!
- Meditate. I cannot stress how beneficial meditation is for your mental health. A great online resource to get you started with meditation is The Honest Guys - Meditations - Relaxation on YouTube. They have a ton of videos on meditation and relaxation, which can go a long way in reducing any stress and anxiety you may be feeling. On campus, The Well is also continuing to host a daily meditation time which will now be online.
- Reach out! Just because we are all social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t still connect with friends and loved ones. I have heard so many good ideas lately! Facetime or Skype with loved ones, host a virtual book club, prop up your phone and cook a meal with a friend, host a movie watch party — there are so many ways we can stay connected, we only need be a little bit creative!
- Hydrate. I know we’re all low on TP but water is still important! Eat more vegetables, too.
- Practice gratitude. Look for the good around you — there is always good. It’s easy right now to get caught up in all the bad, the media, the statistics, the closures, the lockdowns and it’s scary! There is also good happening. Neighbors helping neighbors, stores holding hours for the elderly, healthcare workers standing strong, people recovering, people giving, people loving. There is good. Document it. Share it. Spread it.
Things will get better again. Let’s weather this storm together — but at least 6 feet apart.
Sincerely,
Your counselors at UAF