October 11, 2020 by Abby Parr
Unlike calendar years and academic quarters, the COVID-19 pandemic has no end date in sight. As we approach the seventh month of restrictions and lockdowns, here are some tips on how to handle the uncertainty of what the rest of the year may hold.
It can be easy to fixate on the idea of an end date during these uncertain times: an end to social distancing, to virtual classes, to wearing a mask and to the constant fear of contracting the virus. Countless aspects of everyday life have been altered and continue to change. It is more important now than ever to learn to embrace change and understand that nothing in life is ever guaranteed. Embracing unfamiliarity presents endless opportunities that reach beyond the realm of past limitations and allows for a newfound sense of resilience and growth.
Uncertainty ignites a multitude of feelings that may change with new circumstances, but there is not one ideal way to handle unprecedented events. Each person experiences their own unique reality, therefore there is no ‘right way’ to cope. Below are some tips for how to deal with quarantine and the ongoing pandemic:
Stick to a schedule
Creating and maintaining a schedule allows for greater productivity and a sense of accountability. Repetition can lead to daily patterns and spark a sense of normalcy. Completing school-related tasks at similar times each day mimics the sense of being in a physical classroom setting to which students are so accustomed.
“If you want to sustain good mental health, you want to be doing your coursework at the same time every day,” Elizabeth Barrett, Cal Poly psychology professor and licensed marriage and family therapist, said. “The main reason we want to have a routine is so that we get into a rhythm in our sleep and wake times so that our mental health and our body can function.”
A sense of accountability and consistency is more important now than ever before. Setting micro goals can be an effective strategy to increase productivity as well as prompt a greater sense of accomplishment. These tasks can range from completing an assignment or taking a 60-minute walk outside — the importance lies in completing the objectives planned for the day. Biology senior Brooke Barreire revealed the most effective strategy she’s found for completing her coursework is designating breaks for herself throughout the day.
“Without direct class times and more independent studying, I have to plan breaks for myself to avoid ‘brain fog,’” Barreire said. “I use my break times to get outside and exercise to clear my mind.”
Move your body
There is now less incentive to leave the house with virtual instruction and no need to go to a physical classroom. Brisk walks outdoors, however, can have a great impact on mental health and overall mood.
Numerous studies have shown that movement of any kind — whether it be running, walking, swimming or dancing — has the power to drastically improve mental health because the region of the brain affected by exercise plays an important role in mood and motivation. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry said moving the body catalyzes blood circulation to the brain which is linked to helping with the body’s reaction to stress. An elevated heart rate means increased production of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, which are all chemicals that contribute to a better mood. It is important to note that movement does not have to be an intense workout, rather it should be a simple and stress-free activity that will benefit the body and mind.
Cal Poly students can get their exercise in at the Cal Poly Recreation Center by reserving a lane at the lap pool or participating in both live and pre-recorded virtual workout classes. More information can be found on the new ASI Access mobile app that is available on both Google Play and the App Store. The San Luis Obispo County Wellness Guide, @outdoorfitnesscentralcoast on Instagram, is dedicated to promoting fitness, health and wellness services available across the Central Coast as well as showcasing a range of free and donation-based outdoor fitness classes from various instructors and studios that students can participate in.
Develop resilience
Dedicating this time to focusing on the present and improving resilience, rather than dwelling on past normalities, will allow for significant personal growth. Resilience is a fundamental skill that is crucial to enduring future adjustments and hardships.
“Life is a series of falling apart and coming together,” Barrett explained.
“When we cling onto the idea that things have to go back to the way they were, we tend to get stuck.”
A tangible way to build resilience in isolation is through imaging an alternative reality. A recent New York Times article explains an exercise that psychologists refer to as counterfactual thinking. This involves envisioning a scenario that is much worse than the present circumstances in an effort to reshape perspectives. Quarantine can be isolating, but experiencing it without seamless communication through the use of cell phones and computers seems unimaginable.
If nothing else, find peace in the silver linings of everyday life. Efforts to seek optimism, while embracing change, will be vital to maintaining mental health in the coming months and beyond. Find comfort in the fact that everyone is experiencing new circumstances and learning together, but will come out on the other side stronger and more resilient than before. Like Heraclitus said, “Change is the only constant.”