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Redbirds Keep Thriving - Students

While this year has brought unprecedented levels of change to our lives, our Redbird community has found a way to keep learning, keep teaching, and keep thriving. Though our circumstances are far from ideal, our students and faculty and staff have shown resilience, strength, and determination in the face of much difficulty and change.

Redbirds Keep Thriving launched in the spring to help students with the additional stress caused by the pandemic. As students plan to return to campus this fall, we know how important it will be to grow these available resources. We understand that students see greater academic success when their emotional, physical, and social needs are met. The Health and Wellness Community of Practice and the Division of Student Affairs remains committed to providing our Redbirds with the support and tools they need to succeed and thrive, no matter the circumstances. We will continue to offer virtual and, whenever possible, in-person services to best meet the well-being needs of our community. Stay safe, stay healthy, go Redbirds!

The Health and Wellness Community of Practice is comprised of the following departments. Please continue to check these departmental websites for up-to-date details about programs and services offered on the Illinois State University campus this fall.

Resources for Students

  • Managing Anxiety
  • Managing Social Isolation
  • Managing Grief
  • Managing Financial Stress
  • Managing Physical Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many of us feeling worried or stressed. Some of us are worried about our health or the health of loved ones. Many of us are also worried about different changes this pandemic has led to, including those related to school, employment, relationships, and access to resources. With this in mind, we have gathered several different resources we hope can help you cope with the anxiety and stress this situation has brought about.

WellTrack

WellTrack is a free app that provides evidence-based strategies for learning how to manage anxiety. You can use it anytime, anywhere. It is easy to use and effective. Specific tools include educational videos, relaxation exercises, and mood tracking tools. Download it today!

Articles

Relaxation Strategies

Helpful Websites

For many of us, this is such a different way to live. No large gatherings. No face-to-face contact. Maintain six feet of space between you and other people. But social distancing does NOT have to mean social isolation. Here are multiple resources and tips on how to stay connected while social distancing.

Tips to help with social distancing

Learn new skills

SkillShare and YouTube are great resources for videos on any skill you want to explore and develop.

  • Learn a language (Duolingo)
  • Cooking
  • Crafting
  • Gardening
  • Photography
  • Musical instrument
  • Sport

Participate in Community Service

Other activities to defeat boredom

Articles

Videos

During this time of uncertainty and transition many of us are already grieving many different types of losses. These might include in-person interactions, social connection, job stability, economic security, daily routines, and milestone experiences and events. Several of us are also experiencing anticipatory grief over losses we expect to face in the future, and some of us have already lost a loved one. Our sense of the world around us has been shifted, as have our beliefs about the stability and security of our society. Below we have listed some tips on how to take care of yourself after a loss and other resources that we hope will help you navigate this difficult time.

Self Care After a Loss

  • Share your sorrow and talk to trusted friends, family or a trained professional
  • Acknowledge, accept, and express your feelings
  • Listen to your body and your mind – both will tell what you need
  • Rest when tired and use your excess energy productively if you feel anxious
  • Maintain your daily routine – eat, sleep, go to class, work as best you can
  • Engage in activities that feel good, nurturing and self-soothing, e.g., hot bath, hikes, movies, etc.
  • Delay making major decisions or life changes
  • Avoid taking on more stress in your life or assuming responsibility for demanding projects until you are feeling stronger
  • Avoid alcohol/drugs/self-destructive behaviors
  • Respect your own grieving process and timetable as well as the process and timetable of others
  • Seek psychological support and/or spiritual assistance; it is a sign of health, strength and maturity to ask for help when you need it!

Articles

Videos

Websites

In addition to anxiety about health and distance learning, COVID-19 has created significant financial stress for many of us. We recognize that there won't always be a solution to financial stress, but learning about what’s available is extremely empowering. Here are some resources to help manage financial stress.

Staying at home for a prolonged amount of time can pose a substantial challenge for remaining physically active, eating well, and getting proper amounts of sleep. We invite you to check out the resources below that will help you maintain, or even begin healthy practices to manage your physical health. 

Exercise

Nutrition

Sleep

Medical

Substance Use

Virtual Events

Virtual Group Fitness Classes

Check the weekly schedule and join via Zoom.

Or follow along on YouTube.

2020-08-10T14:13:53.765-05:00 2020