As we all know, this is a very stressful time. It almost seems as if everything shut down overnight! Schools, restaurants, parks, gyms, the list goes on. Constantly worrying about our ability to get supplies or medical care, the safety of our friends and family, and schoolwork can take a serious toll on mental health. So, now more than ever, it’s important to take time for yourself, stay connected, and know that things will get better and that we will make it out of this strong! 

Right now, it almost feels like everything has flown out of control. So, I cannot express how important it is to dedicate some time to things that you enjoy. Making sure that you dedicate a portion of your day to doing things that make you happy can help to give you a sense of control over your life, which is incredibly important, especially right now. Some good options could be to keep a journal, go for a socially-distanced run, give yourself an at-home spa day, or just watch your favorite movie. Make sure to do something that you enjoy and that reduces stress, however, make sure that whatever you do allows you to stay six feet or more away from others. 

If you’re like me, being away from friends and family for so long is taking its toll. Talking and connecting with the people we love is incredibly important, and staying connected is a substantial factor of our mental state. So, right now, it’s crucial that we stay connected, and regularly talk with and see our loved ones, even if it’s through a screen. Simply taking an hour out of your day to message or video chat with a friend can seriously improve your mental state, just make sure that you listen to yourself, and don’t over-commit. Right now, put yourself first, and remember that you don’t always have to be available and up to talking, it’s alright to say “no”. However, if talking with your friends and family is something that releases stress for you, it may be a good idea to dedicate some time to staying socially connected. Remember, we’re all in this together.

It’s easy to feel alone and hopeless not knowing when things will get better. Things have already changed so much, and it may not seem like things will go back to the way they were before any time soon. However, things will improve! We may not always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I promise you it’s there. The sun may sometimes get covered up by the clouds, but it is always there, keeping us safe and warm. I promise you that things eventually will improve, and we will find a new normal. No matter how long we have to stay apart, we’re always together. You’re not alone. If you are in crisis, there are people here to help. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255, Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. Remember: You are never alone.

It’s normal to feel stressed. There are so many things out of our control right now, but they are improving. While we may not be able to control what goes on outside, it’s still crucial to take care of ourselves and stay connected. If school is too much right now, that’s okay, try emailing your teachers and counselor, I promise they will be understanding. It’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed, especially in the middle of a pandemic. There are people, I included, who care. I cannot stress this enough, things will get better soon.