Staying Healthy Physically & Mentally

Background information

NYC Schools are offering meals to ALL New Yorkers! If you need meals, use this website to find a local NYC Public School distributing meals to NYers of ALL ages. They have plenty and are there to help you: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/freemeals


CDC information about COVID-19 and what to do if you think you have it

Social distancing vs. self-quarantine

Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration


Keeping your body healthy

Eat healthy and keep hydrated (this is good advice always)


Try out some at-home exercises


Keeping your mind healthy

Get help when you need it

  • Find your Campus Counseling Center: https://www.cuny.edu/current-students/student-affairs/student-services/counseling/campus-centers/

  • QC Counseling Center

    • Call +1 718-997-5420. Counseling appointments are being held by telephone and videoconference, and referrals are available to low-cost, sliding scale, and pro bono mental health practitioners.

  • New York State COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline

    • 1-844-863-9314 (8am-10pm, 7 days a week)

  • Crisis Text Line

  • If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, reach out for support and help. You can contact NYC Well, a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages.

  • If you work for QC, you have access to mental health services from Deer Oaks


Develop good habits while at home

  • Create and stick to a routine

  • Avoid obsessing over the news

  • Take breaks from work: just because you work or take classes at home now, this does not mean that home must revolve around work and school all the time.

  • Practice social distancing, physically. Keep connected with people you care about:

    • Check social media

    • Make a phone call

  • Allow yourself time to think about and do other things.

  • Virtually visit some great destinations like zoos, aquariums, or the philharmonic!


Self-care advice & other resources

"You Can Take Care of Yourself in Coronavirus Quarantine or Isolation, Starting Right Now"

"Make time for self-care during a self-quarantine"

A list compiled by faculty in QC's Department of Philosophy, linking to information about Coronavirus; listing places that will help you navigate financial hardship and unemployment; providing supports related to emotional health; and providing quarantine-friendly recreation ideas.


Writings and observations during COVID-19 isolation

"What I miss most working under quarantine" by Derek Loosvelt

"I Spent a Year in Space, and I have Tips on Isolation to Share" by Scott Kelly