During uncertain times, it is normal for you to feel stressed out. The Senior Academic Counselors and the staff in the Office of Student Engagement have compiled some Stress-Free Tips and Resources.
Practical Tips to Help you Stay Grounded in Uncertain Times
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Get the FACTS. Go to valid and reliable sources for your information (cdc.gov, mass.gov, etc.) The more accurate the information, the better you will understand how to lessen the risk for yourself and your loved ones.
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Move away from social media and all other news cycles intermittently during the day. It can get overwhelming if you are focused on news cycles 24/7!
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Develop healthy eating habits - fruits and vegetables with antioxidants, and staying hydrated.
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Learn how to Relax & Chillax! Zoning out in front of the television is NOT relaxation! Meditation, deep breaths, enjoyable physical activities (such as outdoor walks while practicing social distancing) are better for improving on positive mental and emotional health.
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Get plenty of sleep!
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Be social - connect with friends and family by phone and FaceTime and even do virtual activities together. Zoom dance party or karaoke, anyone? Especially connect when you are feeling overwhelmed or sad. Remember, this has a beginning, middle, and end. Remember to check out the virtual activities and programming schedule for fun activities to do!
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Do not stress about being stressed! Stress is normal. Just recognize when your stress levels are higher than normal, and then connect with your support systems to help you get through that challenging moment. This, too, will pass.
Meditation Series
featuring pre-recorded, live via Zoom, & Spanish meditation options as well as education
Live Meditations via Zoom by Professor Denise Cady Arbeau:
Meditation #1 Meditation #2 Meditation #3
Pre-Recorded Themed Meditations by Counselor Donna Davis:
Listen to any or all of these at your convenience - all are SOUND only. Most include body relaxation followed by guided imagery geared to boost confidence in your abilities.
Evening Sky Meditation (24 minutes)
Disney's Magic Kingdom Meditation (20 minutes)
Tropical Beach Meditation (23 minutes)
Enchanted Forest Meditation (21 minutes)
Eat, Create, Pray, Love Meditation (19 minutes)
Pre-Recorded Video Links in SPANISH:
- A 10-minute beginner video that demonstrates the desirable breathing exercises and body positions to meditate.
- A 22-minute guided meditation video that includes body breathing, sounds and silence.
- A 26-minute video that uses positive psychology for physical and emotional healing.
- A 50-minute video that explains what mindfulness is and how to practice it. It has a psychological perspective in combination with practices and philosophies based on Buddhism and zen.
Stress-Free Programs and Resources:
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Introduce yourself to mindfulness meditation that you can practice on your own. Visit UCLA Health for downloadable guided meditations in both English and Spanish.
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Headspace has made several meditation collections to reduce stress and and anxiety
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Social distancing doesn't have to doom your weekends. We have ideas - 25 ideas for SELF-CARE - CNN
Yoga Options:
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Yoga with Adriene -for all levels.
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Laughter Yoga: Laugh with others over the phone - humor is key right now.
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Boho Beautiful - COVID-19 Isolation/At Home Yoga Relief Campaign - Watch this video to see how to access a free calendar - Return Home 14 Days to Find Mindful Stability in Unstable Times - in addition to a variety of yoga videos.
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Yoga with Kassandra - This channel specializes in 10-minute morning yoga sessions which can help you get centered in the morning and start your day energized and refreshed!
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PsycheTruth - SO MANY VIDEOS including Yoga for Complete Beginners, Yoga for Weight Loss, Yoga for Tone, Strengthen Muscles, Sculpt. You can download Yoga Plus for free. Also, can’t relax? Can’t sleep? Check this out for free - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5RwBVlvgx4 - awesome resource.
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Sleepy Santosha - Yoga geared toward people with chronic pain, mental health issues, and other underlying conditions. Helps calming the mind, soothing aching joints, and common complaints like insomnia, dizziness and fatigue. FREE - SPOONIE YOGA ESSENTIALS KIT - need to submit email address.
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Five Parks Yoga with Erin Sampson - Option for those more experienced in yoga - longer classes.