Everyone is going through rough times right now, some more than others, which is why it’s more important to not only check up on your loved ones but also yourself. There are many small ways that you can improve on your own mental health and help improve that of others. Many specialists suggest taking up on any form of physical activity to help deal with feelings of stress or overwhelmingness. While this often means exercising like running, yoga, or biking, small things like taking a break to walk around your neighborhood or simply dancing in your room as if you’re the protagonist in a coming of age teen movie can also drastically help.  

  Being truthful to yourself is also an important step in coping during this time of high stress. There isn’t much that is in our control right now, and while that is a scary thought for many, it’s important to remind yourself and focus on things you can control. Many will find themselves spiraling into moments of distress, so if you find yourself spiraling, follow these steps offered by clinical psychologist Desiree Dickerson. Oftentimes when one spirals it’s caused by our actions, thoughts, and/or feelings, so Dickerson suggests attempting to identify at least one of the reasons and act upon it. She states that once you address at least one aspect of the “loop” it will help you gain control. Helpful ways of stabilizing oneself is to do breathing exercises or to do an activity that usually brings comfort. 

  Even though you’re supposed to be distancing yourself, unless you are obligated to do otherwise, that doesn’t mean you have to become a reclusive hermit and never step foot outside of your room. Keeping connections with your loved ones is crucial to keeping your mental health stable. So whether you use Zoom, Skype, Discord, or just a simple phone call, remember to keep in touch with those you love. You can arrange online watch parties, play games, have lunch together, or simply talk. Just remember that the important thing is to keep physically distant, not socially. 

  This is a stressful time for all, so the most important way to help yourself and others is to be there for each other and to remember that you are not doing anything wrong if you’re not using this time to “better yourself” or to be more productive than usual. On top of the usual school stress, we are going through a global pandemic, so if you’re not achieving your dream self who knows how to play 100 instruments and speaks 10 languages fluently, that’s okay. Take each day at a time and reach out to someone if you need to. In time we will all get through this.