Student Resources

During this time, you may be feeling all types of emotions. It is completely normal if you are feeling unsure about the future, maybe even a little anxious! The important part is how you manage these emotions. The best way to deal with these overwhelming emotions is SELF-CARE! Here are some ideas to keep connected and help others.

Managing Isolation or Loneliness

Tools and ideas for coping with those feelings of aloneness

Get in touch with friends and family. We all get caught up in our daily lives. Catching up with friends and family helps us remember our support network.
The Walk and Talk. Remember the good old-fashioned phone call? Find a nice place near trees or water or even a city walk, connect your earbuds and call an old friend.
Neighborhood stroll. Though you're avoiding big crowds of people when possible, you could take a stroll and talk with your neighbors. Chances are they are spending more time at home now too.
Connect with pets and plants. It might sound silly at first, but there is a lot of joy to be found in connecting with the plant and animal world.
Take time for self-care. Take a bath. Journal. Read a book. Cook. Sometimes a feeling of aloneness can actually end up being a doorway to self-exploration and an opportunity for growth!

Managing Self-Isolation

Taking care of yourself in the face of COVID-19.

Structure your days. Developing a sense of normality helps feelings of hopelessness. Set a routine and follow it as best you can (ie, get up, shower, eat, read, etc.)
Engage in Hobbies. Engage in your hobbies. Read, write, watch tv. Try to space out your activities. Pick up a skill you've wanted to do for a while.
Keep Social Contact. Talk to your friends and family. Beyond messaging, facetime, and Skype them. Schedule time to ensure it's regular. Use streaming platforms to watch films together.
Practice self-care. Ensure you are taking care of yourself. Engage in grounding techniques. Do a face mask. Treat yourself. Do some Yoga. Easy your mind and your body.

6 Steps to Beat a Funk

Name it. What is the funk stemming from?
Feel it. What is the underlying feeling here?
Talk it. Who do I trust to listen to my struggles?
Get inspired. How can I change my mindset?
Start small. What small thing can I commit to?
Reinforcements. Who can help me get unstuck?

If Feelings Could Talk

Sadness might be telling me I need to cry.
Loneliness might be telling me I need to connect.
Shame might tell me I need self-compassion.
Resentment might tell me I need to forgive.
Emptiness might be telling me I need to do something creative.
Anger might be telling me I need to check in with my boundaries.
Anxiety might be telling me I need to breathe.
Stress might be telling me to take it one step at a time.

Daily Mental Health Bingo

Begin your day with gratitude
Disconnect from Technology and social media
Set a small goal each day
Eat foods that nourish your body
Monitor your shoulds. Are they from you or someone else?
Exercise for 30 minutes.
Take breaks from long work tasks.
Get adequate sleep.
Open up to someone.
Speak kindly to yourself.
Ask for help.
Send a thank you note to someone (or yourself).
Keep doing enjoyed activities. Let go of the pressure to start new hobbies.
Take time to acknowledge your feelings and remember they are "for now".
Spend 10 minutes in the sunshine.
Set and honor your boundaries.

Northern Garrett Middle