Here is the link to UWindsor's Mental Health & Wellbeing Portal
With this level of disruption to everyday life surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is normal and common to be experiencing a change to our mental wellbeing. On the link above, you will find the reasons you may be experiencing feelings of stress and anxiousness and tips for how to cope with these emotions and life changes related to the pandemic as well as resources to support you. The sections below offer guidance in several areas including isolation, social distancing, self-care, our basic needs, changes to routine and overall ways of living to help you manage during these unprecedented times. The Wellbeing Portal also includes links to many resources and suicide helplines. Please reach out for help.
Top 10 Tips for Coping with Self-Isolation
10. Routine — Make a daily schedule/routine and stick to it every day
9. Fresh Air — Commit to going outside for a walk every day. If walking in small groups, ensure you're at least two metres away from one another
8. Exercise — Take care of your physical well-being. Find a simple online at-home workout routine to stay active; drink plenty of water throughout the day and get rest when you can
7. Study — Keep yourself accountable and on top of your studies every day. Avoid studying in your bed
6. Monitor Your Mood — Be aware of your feelings and how to manage them. Visit uwindsor.ca/wellness for free available resources
5. Limit Your Exposure to the News — Limit your consumption of social media and news
4. Practice Positivity — Breathe in. Breathe out. Smile. Laugh. You’ll trick your mind into feeling more positive and in control
3. Connect with Family and Friends (AT A DISTANCE) — Connect with friends and family as much as possible (at a distance). Talk about happy events, cherished memories and creative ideas that don’t involve the current world circumstances
2. Be Aware of Scammers —Many are taking advantage of our current level of vulnerability and fear. Take some time to think about calls or emails you receive. If you are asked to respond with urgency, remember, nothing is urgent. If it sounds too good to be true, consider that it could be a scam
1. Flatten the Curve — If you MUST go out of your home, do so ONLY when absolutely necessary and stay away from others. Do not go to friends’ homes and do not invite friends to your home. We all must work to flatten (and in fact Plank the Curve!. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently and don’t touch your face
Upcoming Student Coping & Wellbeing Webinars:
Free one-hour online workshop offered by keep.meSAFE will provide simple tips, practices, and ideas on how to support your own wellbeing and ways to keep yourself and your communities empowered, nourished and supported. All students are invited to join on either March 31, April 2, or April 8 from 12:00-1:00pm EDT or 6:00-7:00pm EDT.
Please join the keep.meSAFE webinar from your computer, tablet or smartphone by clicking on this link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/147544413
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/147544413
Travel Information: Students looking for more information regarding travel please check out the Canadian government's official travel advisory website.
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/221
Emergency Food Assistance: The Windsor-Essex COVID Care Coalition has started a new emergency food assistance line to help those in need. If you or someone you know is in need of emergency food please call the local Helpline at 1-888-488-1578. Find out more here:
https://www.weareunited.com/comm/Article.jsp?HELIX=REDIRECT&ArticleID=102
Stay safe. Be well. Be kind to each other.
Updated: April 2, 2020