2020 has been a weird, stressful year to say the very least. 

In March we went on spring break not realizing the only time we would be back on campus was to move out.

Now, we’re back and balancing a mix of online, in-person and hybrid classes. We’re dealing with the anxiety of being back on campus and facing a pandemic. 

It is more important than ever to take care of yourself. It was hard enough to practice self care when you’re balancing 15-18 credit hours and a part-time job without a pandemic hanging over your head.

It is normal to feel stressed, anxious, scared or even angry during COVID-19. The physical reactions to these feelings can be headache, muscle tension and fatigue.

The Mayo Clinic Health System provided a few tips to take care of yourself during a pandemic.

For physical health, be sure to have a healthy diet and drink plenty of water.

Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep. College students can be known for pulling all-nighters, don’t make it a habit. Your health comes before your grades. 

Spend time outside in the sun. USI is known for its beautiful campus. Walk around the trails. You can take a break from your schoolwork and follow social distancing protocols!

For mental health, focus on things you can control. This is a scary time for everyone. We are just trying to figure out how to maintain a normal lifestyle. There are things we can’t control and that’s OK.

Listen to music or read books. A little escape from reality can be good for everyone.

Seek help if you start noticing you’re having trouble focusing on daily activities. If you feel anxious, helpless or hopeless. Talk to a friend or a loved one. Or call the USI Counseling Center at 812-464-1867 or email them at [email protected].

Be sure to monitor your health daily. Some things to watch out for include a fever, cough, headache, new loss of taste or smell and muscle and body aches. If you notice any of these, fill out a self-report form. 

We can get through this time of uncertainty if we work together.

Please take care of yourself this semester.