This is an ongoing collection of resources compiled by the MLW Counseling Department. Please remember that one size does not fit all with regards to supporting mental health as well as successful study habits. These resources contain good guidance and suggestions but ultimately students and parents need to determine what works best. If you would like to share resources for this page, please let us know!
Study Tips Related to Virtual Education
Web Resources
For posture and eye health
Virtual Study Skills videos
Virtual Study Skills Tips (Ongoing List)
Find a work location at home to designate as a “study spot.” Try not to use locations that are used for other activities (such as your bed, your sofa, etc)
Build in regular movement breaks
Build in regular eye re-focusing breaks – 20/20/20 - every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Create a schedule as if you are attending school physically. Add specific times of the day for homework and for fun
Eat meals with family – face to face human interaction is important
Get outside when possible
Ask your parents/siblings to help you be honest with yourself with studying. For example, if you know you will be more productive if a parent is going to ask you in one hour if you have finished with a specific assignment, ask them to check on you.
Look for safe social outlets with peers. This could be meeting with friends outdoors, joining clubs at MLW and attending virtual meetings, or virtual hangout time with friends.
Parent Resources on Supporting Student Mental Health
This article is an excellent summary of how to support your child’s emotional reactions to stress.
How to Talk to Your Anxious Child or Teen About Coronavirus
This factsheet provides a great deal of basic information about readiness, reducing risk, and coping with the stress of an infectious disease, including common reactions and ways to help children at different developmental levels from preschool through adolescence.
Helping Families Cope fact sheet
This is an interview with UVA professor of psychology, Bethany Teachman offering “insight into how people can manage any anxiety they may be feeling as a result of the novel coronavirus.” It includes a discussion of financial concerns as well.
Practical Advice from a UVA Psychology Professor
This is an article written by a psychologist at Georgetown University.
More Advice from a Georgetown Psychology Professor
This resource contains a discussion of how “the news and well-meaning (and accurate) CDC and WHO guidelines can trigger bouts of intense anxiety and compulsive behavior” as well as ways to cope with such anxiety.
How to Deal with the Coronavirus if you have OCD or Anxiety
This is an article from the National Association of School Psychologists about talking to your child about COVID-19.
How to talk to your child about Coronavirus
A comprehensive resource from the Virginia Department of Education on COVID-19.
A Parent Guide for School-Age Children
Please see the link below with contact information for Community Service Boards.
Student Resources Supporting Mental Health
COVID-19 presents students with a novel challenge. It’s a new virus that has affected enough people to be identified as a pandemic. While it’s good to acknowledge the concern, it’s also essential that we do so without panicking and that good self-care is practiced at a stressful time. The good news is that our students have factors within their control in responding to this unique situation. Some ideas:
· Don’t marinate in the news 24/7 and make sure that you’re accessing factual information. No one’s stress level is helped by staying immersed in coverage of any topic and it is certainly damaging to access information that is more sensational than accurate.
· Maintain your routine to the fullest extent possible. This is always helpful in any tough time.
· Get sufficient sleep, eat well, exercise, and spend time with the people that lift you up.
· Have fun when your time allows! Balance is always important.
· Use good practices for preventing illness such as regular hand washing. Staying connected with friends is important but follow social distancing measures. These practices are especially emphasized with COVID-19 but have always been recommended with all illness (e.g. flu) and aren’t anything new. Perspective is helpful in times of stress.
· Still concerned? Talk to trusted adults such as your parents, teachers, or the counseling staff.
Other Ideas
Virtual National Park Tours – enjoy some stunning nature from your own home:
Hawaii volcanoes lava tube tour
Consider taking a free exercise break: Down Dog Yoga
Explore Project Happiness – an organization that promotes strategies for promoting happiness in everyday life through practical strategies. Be aware that they also sell stuff. Avoid their marketplace and access the articles that interest you.
Have you discovered something that you have found helpful while school is closed? Share your idea with your school counselor or Mrs. Ebeling (lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us). We will be sharing resources periodically with our students during this challenging time and would love to hear any good ideas that you have found.