Today’s current situation can be challenging for everyone.
The sudden change in home and school life due to COVID-19 can be frustrating and stressful, especially for students. You’re no longer in school and you can’t see your friends like you normally would. You probably can’t do a lot of things you love such as playing a sport or participating in your favorite club. It’s OK to feel overwhelmed sometimes but it’s important to keep taking care of yourself and looking out for your friends especially when times are tough. Keep reading for helpful tips on how to cope.
ACT - Acknowledge, Care, Tell

Acknowledge
That you see signs of depression or suicide in a friend or yourself.

Care
Show your friend that you’re worried about them and offer support.

Tell
A trusted adult so you can get help.
Guided Exercises to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Healthy Coping Strategies
Between challenging classes, extracurriculars, and managing relationships with families and friends, it can be easy to forget how to take care of yourself. Healthy coping strategies are really important to help you deal with stress.

Journaling
Writing down your feelings can be really helpful to manage stressful situations. You can learn more about yourself if you spend a few minutes reflecting about your day in a journal. If you have trouble getting started, try jotting down a few lines of your feelings or three things you’re grateful for that day.

Exercise
Physical activity is healthy for your body and mind by boosting your mood. Exercise can come in many forms such as running, biking, playing a sport, or even just walking your dog each day. You should try to exercise for at least 2.5 hours a week and try activities that both raise the heart rate and work different muscle groups in your body.

Healthy Eating
Eating well can make you feel better. Aim for three balanced meals per day which include fresh fruits and vegetables; low-fat dairy like milk and yogurt; proteins such as chicken, fish, and beans; whole grains like brown rice or wheat bread; and healthy fats such as avocados and nuts.
It’s also important to drink enough water to keep your body hydrated. To calculate how much you need, take your weight and divide it by two. The number is how many ounces of water you should drink each day.

Hobbies
People with social connections have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Even though you’re not able to be physically close to your peers, consider trying out a new hobby such as a virtual book club or learning a new skill through free online videos. You can look online to learn a new language or how to cook. The possibilities are endless!