During times that take you out of your normal routine, you may find yourself feeling more stress than usual. Added stress can take a toll on your health. Try to take actions that make you feel mentally and physically healthy so you can be your best self. Some of those things may be exercising, speaking with a counselor or therapist, making time for virtual hangouts with friends and loved ones, and maintaining a healthy diet and sleep schedule. Check out some resources below for more self-care tips.
Self care tips and resources
Self-care tips
Here are some tips that you may find helpful. Not all of these tips will work for everyone, but you may be be able to pick a few that work for you and your situation. Have some of your own tips that you'd like to share? Fill out the Share your experience! form to let us know!
Take care of yourself
- Get adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise daily.
- Stick to your routines. Don't have any? Make them! They don't have to be complicated: even something like pouring yourself a glass of water every night before bed can help you stay centered.
- Stay connected to friends and classmates online – to study, to offer each other support, and to keep from feeling isolated.
- Help manage stress by trying out yoga, meditation, or IU Recreational Sports’ live Zoom fitness programs. There are also free apps you can use to track your moods and stress levels, to help you relax, for journaling, and more (scroll down the page to find the list!).
- Find time for fun and laughter! Watch a favorite comedy special or revisit your favorite outlet for LOLs.
- Take breaks from social media. Studies show that taking regular breaks from social media can reduce feelings of depression, low self-esteem, body image issues, anxiety, social isolation, and more.
- Connect with your campus's mental health resources.
- To take care of your health and all of those you come in contact with, wear your mask! Not only is it the most compassionate thing you can do right now, but you can get into trouble for not wearing it. Check out the policy for students on noncompliance with COVID-19 Health and Safety Directives.
Stay organized to minimize stress
- Check Canvas regularly for updates to your courses. Set your Canvas notifications to make sure you’re getting email updates and download the Boost app to your smartphone.
- Schedule specific times each day to dedicate to studying and participating in classes.
- Reach out to your instructor with questions about coursework. See the section on Staying Connected for tips on communicating with instructors.
- Be careful not to fall for inaccurate information while working online. Study up on information literacy to make sure your facts are accurate.
- See the Staying Connected page for tips on communicating with instructors.
Spot the signs of crisis
During this especially difficult time, your peers and loved ones may be struggling. Here are some signs that your friends may be in crisis:
- Neglect of personal hygiene.
- Dramatic change in sleep habits, such a sleeping more often or not sleeping well.
- Weight gain or loss.
- Decline in performance at work or school.
- Pronounced changes in mood, such as irritability, anger, anxiety or sadness.
- Withdrawal from routine activities and relationships.
If you notice the above changes in behavior:
- Check in on your friend and lend an ear. Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them.
- Connect them with campus mental health resources.
- If you're still concerned, reach out to their loved ones and let them know you're concerned.
- Encourage them to seek professional help by reaching out to their primary care doctor or therapist.
- If you suspect a loved one is in danger of self-harm or suicide, do not wait to seek help. Call 911 or take them to the emergency room. Don't leave them alone. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also a great resource, or call 1-800-273-TALK to speak to a skilled counselor.
Access emergency help
To access emergency services, go to the nearest emergency room or dial 911.
Other 24-hour support is available
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
- Mental Health Crisis Line: Call 317-278-HELP (4357)
- The LGBTQ+ Trevor Lifeline: Call 866-488-7386