As the UCI community practices social distancing and students move to remote classwork, it is important to remember that physical isolation doesn’t mean that you have to be completely alone.
Marcelle Hayashida, associate vice chancellor of Wellness, Health & Counseling Services, offers some tips for keeping your distance while staying emotionally healthy and connected.
Social distance doesn’t have to mean completely alone
◼︎Understand that you may feel various emotions such as anger, fear, frustration, or depression. These are understandable emotions during a difficult time. Be gentle on yourself and understand that you may experience emotions that are not typical for you under normal circumstances. Express this same grace to others.
◼︎Try to limit COVID-19 media exposure, particularly if it upsets or frightens you and your family. It is important to stay updated, as developments change daily. You will want to understand what the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control is, you will want to know what is happening locally (e.g., where can you get tested, what is closed in your area), and there may be some other pieces of information that will be helpful and reassuring to you. However, try to take a break from non-stop consumption of COVID-19 related media. Take a walk, call a friend, stretch, or power down your device. Decide on a period of time that is reasonable for you, such as check-ins twice per day, or watching cable news only in the evenings.
◼︎Move your body. Many yoga studios are exploring virtual yoga classes, and you can find YouTube exercise videos easily. Try dancing at home, ordering weights, challenging your friend to an online push-up challenge, or taking a walk if you are able to.
◼︎Use your devices to virtually visit with others. Call grandparents, use video conferencing features, or use Facebook Live to see and be seen by family and friends. Look for apps that allow for social interaction.
◼︎ Learn something new. Companies like Masterclass offer instructions on topics like fiction writing, cooking, or science. Search YouTube for free instructions on everything from learning the ukulele to knitting to applying make-up. Use this time to explore a topic you usually don’t have time to learn about. Keep it light, laugh while you challenge yourself, and post your efforts on social media so others can enjoy what you’ve learned.
“Part of the reason we are separating from each other at this time is because we care so deeply about the health and safety of our community members,” says Hayashida. “Staying physically distant from them, though, doesn’t mean we can’t stay virtually connected. Keep yourself healthy by eating nutritious foods, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and reaching our for help and support.”
— UCI Communications
UCI Wellness, Health & Counseling Services:
