Wellbeing Portal

Set times to check for updates once or twice a day from creditable sources. Consistently staying tuned in to updates and reading misinformation can increase our stress and fear. When speaking with others, try to discuss other topics rather than focusing on COVID-19 information. Perhaps try limiting checking updates on social media as well to allow time to unplug.

Creditable Information Sources:

• The World Health Organization (WHO)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Health Canada
• Ontario Ministry of Health
• Windsor Essex Country Health Unit
• University of Windsor COVID-19 Updates and Information

Try anything that you find soothing to do. Formal relaxation activities such as meditation and mindfulness exercises help to reduce our feelings of stress and assist in reducing racing thoughts. A simple breathing exercise can go a long way, as deep breaths help to signal the body’s response to relax. Therapy Assistance Online has a library of mindfulness videos and modules to help manage your mood and thoughts.

By dealing with problems in a structured way we can reduce our feelings of uncertainly and lack of control. Focus on the things you can control such as your space, routine, and your plan of how you can reduce the spread of the virus via your own actions. Make a list of what is within your control and try to let go of those things that are not. Ensure your living space is setup to feel comfortable and meets the new needs you have with the changes to your lifestyle, this will help to put your mind at ease. 

We all feel better with purpose. Focus on the things you’re still working towards such as finishing up the semester or gain a sense of accomplishment by completing a small or large task like clearing out the junk drawer or tackling a larger to-do you’ve been meaning to get to. Allow the current changes to be the catalyst to achieving something that feels good to you.

Maintaining a routine is vital for feeling well along with eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, and staying active. Attending to each of these basic needs will not only help your mind but will also help to keep your body healthy. Maintain a sense of balance by following your old routine or establishing a new one. Set alarms or notifications to remind you to do certain things throughout the day. Get creative with your cooking by trying new dishes or preparing a favourite meal. Try to keep normal sleep patterns and explore different approaches if you are having difficulties sleeping. Experiment with ways to fit in daily movement and exercise with what you have available at home.

It’s okay not to feel okay. Accepting this is a difficult time as well as being kind to ourselves and how we are reacting is important for maintaining positivity. It is easy to feel negative about ourselves, the situation or how others are reacting. Everyone’s responses will be different, and the way we respond is how we are individually coping. Try not to be judgemental of the way you or others cope. It’s a hard time, but we’re all in this together.

Use the time you have to take up practices of self-care, whether you have some already or you have been meaning to implement them. Now is a great time to discover what taking care of you truly looks like. Focusing on the present moment, journaling, making positive affirmations, learning to love yourself and getting comfortable with who you are - it’s whatever prioritizing yourself means to you.

Isolation can take its toll when we feel trapped or bored. Finding ways to become innovative in your efforts to keep busy and allowing the space to feel new or different is important in order to help cope. Try rearranging the furniture or adjusting lighting, adding a scent with a candle or diffuser, taking a journey by reading a novel, watching an adventure film or taking a virtual tour of a museum online. Perhaps develop a new hobby or get wickedly good at an old one. If you are not sick or in self-quarantine go for a walk in the fresh air (maintaining 2 metres distance from others) or for a long drive. Try to get inventive, and perhaps even imagine you took a trip to a lovely cabin.
 

Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t be social. It’s important to stay connected as human beings we need social interaction to stay well. Right now we are lucky enough to live in a time where technology can bring us together even when we are physically apart. Create online get-togethers via group video calls. Try the Netflix Party Chrome extension to watch movies in sync with friends while reading or listening to their live commentary. Workout with a buddy by texting to check in to keep each other motivated and accountable. Play online games with family and friends such as the ones on Snapchat and Facebook.

Reaching out to talk to others to share your experiences can help a great deal in times like these as talking through shared experiences can help validate our emotions. Remember to pay attention to how you are feeling during and after your conversations to see what effect these discussions have on you. Sometimes a different perspective can help. If you are looking for someone to talk to remember you always have resources available such as 24/7 talk or text with MySSP in many different languages from wherever you are and the Student Counselling Centre remains open for videoconferencing and telephone appointments. If you’re ever feeling hopeless or overwhelmed you can also call the 24/7 Crisis Services Canada line at 1-833-456-4566.