Now that all UC Berkeley classes have switched to an online format, many students find themselves spending most of the day hopping from one Zoom link to another, only seeing the other students in their classes when the professors request that cameras be turned on, and some times, not even then. During these many hours of Zoom lectures, the students often are sitting in one spot, with headphones on, staring at the screen.
Although this is likely the best form of teaching during a pandemic, the minimal social interactions that occur throughout an online school day can have large effects on the mental and physical health of students.
Without real social interaction with their peers, many students feel lonely, disconnected, and socially isolated. Although it is important to remain socially distanced during a pandemic, feeling distant can take a toll on anyone.
In order to combat these negative effects of social distancing, our team made a list of the ways we have been caring for ourselves during our Zoom University distanced learning:
Going on daily walks (If the local AQI permits)
Meeting with friends and remaining distanced (6+ feet away from each other) while wearing masks at a park or other outdoor locations (If local AQI permits)
Creating art (painting, drawing, tie-dying, etc.)
Netflix Party - Watching Netflix virtually with friends
Playing video games virtually with friends
Taking care of plants
Getting a new pet (We recommend something easy to take care of, like a fish)
Try a new recipe that you have always wanted to eat
Try out a new hiking trail (If local AQI permits)
Take time for yourself (face masks, baths, naps, etc.)
Find a new podcast to listen to
Explore new artists’ work
Listen to or create a new playlist
Calling and reconnecting with old friends virtually
Creating a daily schedule and sticking to it as much as possible
Being kind to yourself - be aware that your body and your mind do need breaks, and sometimes we cannot complete everything we had hoped to in one day, and that is okay
We hope that these self-care tips help you as much as they have helped us to remain positive and feel less distant in these times of socially distancing.
This blog post was written by Brooke Chang.
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