Hello
from your UAF counselors!
We
know this is a lot. There have been a
lot of changes thrown at you lately and we want you to know we are here. You matter to us!
Things
have been changing rapidly and in the interest of “flattening the curve” we
have discontinued in-person appointments.
We will be providing telehealth services for students via SecureVideo
beginning on Monday March 23rd. If you currently do not have a
telehealth appointment, we ask that you call via telephone in order to
schedule. As your appointment day gets closer, you will receive an e-mail with
instructions on how to access the video session.
We
are also working together to develop online mental health resources and as well
as some outreach opportunities. Below is our link to the stress and coping
workshop, “Taking Charge of Your Headspace.” This takes place every Tuesday
from 1-2pm.
Stay
tuned for additional resources to come!
Wondering
what else you can do to care for your mental health during this time? Here are some quick tips:
- Get good rest. It may seem tempting to stay up all night and sleep all day since you now have no classes to attend and may be working from home. It’s important to keep to a routine though. Our bodies love consistency and need it to properly produce melatonin and give us good sleep and recovery time. 7-9 hours is ideal. NO electronics one hour before bed.
- Exercise. Go outside for a walk if you like, just remember the social distancing guidelines of 6 feet apart so try to walk somewhere where you can keep a safe distance. There are PLENTY of online workouts as well and most are free right now. One idea locally is the UAF yoga club. They will be hosting a livestream yoga class on Saturdays from 9:30-11am. Just “like” their Facebook page to see the details.
- Meditate. I cannot stress how beneficial meditation is for your mental health. A great online resource to get you started with meditation is The Honest Guys - Meditations - Relaxation on YouTube. They have a ton of videos on meditation and relaxation, which can go a long way in reducing any stress and anxiety you may be feeling. On campus, The Well is also continuing to host a daily meditation time which will now be online.
- Reach out! Just because we are all social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t still connect with friends and loved ones. I have heard so many good ideas lately! Facetime or Skype with loved ones, host a virtual book club, prop up your phone and cook a meal with a friend, host a movie watch party - there are so many ways we can stay connected, we only need be a little bit creative!
- Hydrate. I know we’re all low on tp but water is still important! Eat more vegetables too. The shuttle to Fred’s is up and running again so if you’re still on campus, know that is a resource to you.
- Practice Gratitude. Look for the good around you, there is always good. It’s easy right now to get caught up in all the bad, the media, the statistics, the closures, the lockdowns and it’s scary! There is also good happening. Neighbors helping neighbors, stores holding hours for the elderly, healthcare workers standing strong, people recovering, people giving, people loving. There is good. Document it. Share it. Spread it.
Things
will get better again. Let’s weather
this storm together…...but at least 6 feet apart.
Sincerely,
Your
counselors at UAF
UAF is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/
UAF is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/