How are you?

How are you? It is perfectly okay to be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions right now. Some of you are homebodies or prefer online learning and are loving staying home. Others may even be experiencing various levels of anxiety and panic. Feeling some anxiety is perfectly normal right now. Often, the fear and anxiety gets worse when you feel like you don’t have control—but you do have control over many things right now:

1. Stay socially connected. Humans are social beings and thrive on connection. Since we all need to be practicing social distancing, we need to connect in ways that are safe. FaceTime a friend. Text someone you haven't heard from in a while.

2. Stay active. Fresh air is good for us so go for a walk in your neighborhood. Some fitness apps are currently free to help support people over the next month (check out Down Dog for yoga—they also have other apps like HIIT and 7-minute workouts). For more virtual workout options visit the Resources-"Stay Active!" tab above.

3. Do things that relieve stress for you. Check out apps such as Headspace or Calm if that appeals to you. Or maybe pull out that dusty Monopoly board game or a puzzle and spend time with your family.

4. Disconnect. After spending all day on your computer, walk away from technology for a bit. Your eyes and brain need a rest.

5. Talk to someone you trust. If you feel yourself getting caught up in the frenzy, talk to someone you trust. If you want to talk to someone at AH, email me and I'll reach out. Journaling is also a good way to sort out the thoughts in your head.

6. Write down things you are grateful for. There are so many benefits of gratitude and it can be life-changing. For now, it can help get you through these long days.

7. Sleep. Make sleep a priority. According to Children’s Hospital Colorado, the foundational elements of sleep hygiene include creating a cool, quiet, dark sleep environment, sticking to a consistent bedtime, limiting caffeine eight hours before bed, avoid electronics one hour prior to bed.

8. Limit News/Screens- Prioritizing self-care means setting limits for yourself on viewing, hearing and reading the news about the pandemic. Hearing repeatedly about the Coronavirus can be upsetting. Consider a limit of 15 minutes a day to stay informed. Be sure you are paying attention to legitimate, trustworthy sources (CDC, World Health Organization, California Department of Public Health) since there is a lot of misinformation going around. Focus on staying informed about things you can control (washing your hands, avoid touching your face, keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, following health recommendations from local authorities)

9. Distract Yourself. Distractions can help us when we are ruminating and our minds are racing. Light a scented candle, pour a cup of tea, play a board game, make a new recipe, watch a movie, listen to music, clean and organize your things, draw or create art.

School Specific Tips:

1. Create a daily schedule. You should stick to your normal routine as much as possible. Wake up at the same time that you normally would and save the sleeping in for the weekends. After the school day is over, get away from technology for a bit before starting in on your homework. Make sure you do something active every day. Schedule in dinner and family time as well. Here is an EXAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE.

2. Get up and move in between classes. It is even better if you can walk outside for a minute just for some fresh air. Do some jumping jacks or have a mini dance party--something to get your blood flowing. This will help to give you a burst of energy, wake up your body and brain, and get you ready to settle in for your next class.

3. Create a workspace (not your bed!). It can be a desk, a table, or a space in your home that’s dedicated to your schoolwork and is as distraction-free as possible. Make it comfortable because you will be spending a lot of time there. Add a plant or two. Put some photos or a cool drawing up. Make it a place you love.

4. Get dressed every day. I know, I know--hanging out in your pjs all day sounds awesome, but putting on some regular clothes helps us shift into a work mindset and be more productive.