For Students

Emotional Wellness and COVID-19 

We are all experiencing emotional discomfort given the spread of COVID-19 and the disruption to our lives. Grief, disappointment, and frustration at losing out on experiences, as well as uncertainty and worry—all are normal reactions at this time. The situation is new and unpredictable and the University’s precautionary change to remote learning represents a major sea-change for us all. So how do we stay emotionally well during these times, when we’re separated from friends, community, and our University?

 

Be careful of COVID-19 overload.  Limit the time you spend taking in COVID-19 news.  It’s coming at us from all directions and this can be downright overwhelming.  Turn off/stop reading the news.  Maybe check in once a day. 

Be careful of COVID-19 misinformation.  Rumors abound about what’s open, what’s not, what’s closing, and so on.  Check out rumors for yourself by going to reputable sources.  Check out state and local government sites for up to date information about closings.  Go to the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/)  or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/) for correct information about the virus.

Adversity becomes opportunity. There is no doubt that there is much that we have lost during this crisis, and while grieving is important and healthy, perhaps it is also important that we take the time to do things for which we have not been able to fit into our normal schedules. 

Our emotions reside in our bodies, so take good care of yours! 

  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule—try to go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same time.
  • Work towards maintaining good nutrition and regular meals.
  • Limit alcohol intake.
  • Limit caffeine intake.
  • Get some exercise!
  • Spend some time outside, in nature, especially.
  • Practice deep breathing, relaxation, yoga, Qigong—many to choose from online
  • Try taking up an activity that requires use of your body and mind, which can give you an emotional break: knitting, art, playing an instrument, etc. 

Social connection is really good for us too!  Maintain social distance, of course, but stay in touch with friends and family. 

Create and maintain a schedule towards feeling productive, just as you would if at school. Meals, classes, study time, relaxation time.  Having a schedule and accomplishing tasks help us contain emotions and feel a sense of control.  

Consider keeping a journal about what this experience is like for you. Try to end your daily entries highlighting positive experiences or accomplishments, however small, to help keep your spirits up.

Spend time with your four-legged friends.  Some snuggle time with your pets can make a tough day a lot easier. 

Take the focus off yourself: do something kind for someone else.  If you can’t visit in-person, call or text. 

Look through “self-care” on the Counseling Center website. https://www.framingham.edu/student-life/counseling-center/index

 All information about your visit to the Counseling Center is confidential.
Please see our confidentiality statement for more detailed information.