It’s a difficult and stressful time for the Cal Poly Pomona community. It’s hard not to be panicked during a global pandemic, but it’s important to take time for self-care during this time.
Keep in Contact
Don’t isolate yourself away from family and friends. Instead, keep in contact with those you care about through different methods of communication that require no physical contact.
“Connect with others and maintain strong and healthy relationships through texting, a phone call or FaceTime,” said Nancy Robles, director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). “Use these methods to connect with people you trust and share your concerns and explore ways to support each other.”
Taking Care of Pets
If you have a pet, taking care of it can help your mental health. Following a normal routine can bring back a sense of normalcy.
“Making sure that my animals are entertained and exercised has also helped me,” said Tia Crespo, a fourth-year visual communications and design student. “I can’t slip into a fog of depression as easily if I have a cat head butting me to play with her or feed her.
“My dog will sit at the front door waiting for me to take him out, so these patterns and responsibilities help me stay mentally better than if I had no responsibilities.”
Meditation
Meditation for a few minutes a day can help ease anxieties and worries, even if it’s for a brief moment.
If guidance is needed when it comes to meditation, there are plenty of apps that can assist. Apps like Headspace or Calm contain meditation exercises that can help guide and relax you.
Exercise
Gyms are closed throughout the state, but that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise from home. From going for a walk, to doing yoga from a video, a little exercise every day can be good for the body.
Just make sure to practice social distancing when you’re on a walk or jog.
“With so many uncertainties and stress during this period, we have to practice some form of self-care,” said Summer Viets, a fourth-year history student and the Womxn’s Resource Center self-care happy hour leader. “I’ve been putting time aside to stream yoga from a local business.”
(Zuvanny Macias | The Poly Post)
Feel-good movies
If movie nights with your friends or family have been cut short, there is currently a virtual option available. Netflix Party is a Google Chrome extension that allows Netflix users to create a watch party. You’ll be able to watch movies with your friends remotely.
Here are a few suggestions of uplifting movies available on Netflix right now: “Always Be My Maybe” (rom-com), “Step Brothers” (comedy), “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (fantasy/sci-fi), “The Shawshank Redemption” (drama) or “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (comedy).
Coloring books
If you’re less of a paint person and more of a marker and color pencil kind of person, opting for a coloring book might be more up your alley.
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to coloring books. You can download and print some pages from blogs such as “Self Care is For Everyone” by checking out: https://selfcareisforeveryone.com/pages/free-resource-signup-page.
Take a Break
If needed, take a break from social media and news stories about the pandemic. There is no shame in taking time off to reenergize and to put a stop to these overwhelming feelings.
Of course, these suggestions might not be enough for some students, so don’t be afraid to seek professional help.
CAPS is conducting most of its appointments through the phone at (909) 869-3220. The after-hours crisis phone line is available after 5 p.m., weekends and holidays.
Students can reach this phone line by calling (909) 869-3220 and pressing “2.”
Stay safe, stay connected and stay strong, Broncos.
