Alyssa
With all of the different changes that have occured brought on by COVID-19, I found that I started to become very overwhelmed and stressed about things that weren’t in my control. From unexpectedly moving back home, adjusting to online school (especially online clinical), and being away from friends, it’s no surprise that a lot of students are all in the same boat. In times like this with so much happening in the world, I have quickly realized the importance of self care and taking time to de-stress. Here’s what I’ve been up to for the past week!
1. Listen to music
I’ve been listening to all different pre-made Spotify playlists, and making my own! My personal favorite is the “Pure Pop Punk” playlist, and I also really like finding
throwback playlists. I try to find playlists that match the mood I’m in.
2. Go on walks
The best way to start my morning is to get outside, breathe in fresh air,
and soak in some Vitamin D! It really helps me clear my head and reset, and makes me more focused to come back to do my work. I take a walk for an hour around my neighborhood, and it’s a really good change of scenery to get out of the house for a little bit.
3. Reach out to friends, especially those you haven’t talked to recently.
We are nothing without the people who build us to be who we are. Having a strong support system and cultivating important relationships is what can help us get through this time. With the technology we have, we are so fortunate to have a friend just a text or Facetime call away. Zoom has been really great to get all of my friends who I’ve been missing together to catch up!
4. Rekindle an old hobby
As a musician for my whole life, I’ve been using this extra time at home to pull out my instruments and learn new songs. I’ve played the French horn for 12 years, and being busy at school has made me pull back from that a little bit, so recently I’ve been able to play more. I also have been reading new music for guitar, piano, and ukulele.
5. Watch TV
No feeling compares to just curling up in bed and watching a good TV show. Some of my favorites include Friends, How I Met Your Mother, The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I’m really into quick, dry humor shows, so I recommend all of these. I also really enjoy Grey’s Anatomy, and although it’s not the best representation of what actual hospital life is like, there are definitely concepts from school that I can apply while watching the show!
We are HUMAN, not machines. There’s truly only so much stress one person can handle. Please take care of yourselves and reach out to your support systems if your own attempts of de-stressing aren’t working for you. Stay safe and healthy everyone!
Alyssa
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