*deep brEaths in, deep breaths out*Hi guys. There’s a lot going on, I know. And if you’re anything like me, in the beginning things left me feeling rushed, confused, panicked, upset, a little scared, and overwhelmed. But that’s okay, because these feelings are so valid. COVID-19 has affected so many people in the biggest and smallest of ways. I am now home, as the rest of my spring semester has been cancelled, and I am to start online classes this upcoming Monday. It’s going to be a tough and odd transition but I wanted to speak to the college students who not only lost their end of year experiences and celebrations--especially the seniors who, for some, have had their celebrations completely cancelled. You've worked so hard to get where you are and I hope you get the celebrations you deserve--but to those who have lost the financial stability and the environmental security that their college or university has provided for them. I just wanted to start this out by saying your voice is being heard and your struggle is valid even if it’s being made to feel anything less than during this time. So, with this eminent and violently active threat spreading across the globe, I also want to tell people that this is an abrupt and disruptive transition for everyone, so be as sympathetic as you are cautious. Not everyone can afford to stay home but that does not mean that everyone can’t take the proper steps to keep safe. I don’t want to go into too much detail about this--if you don’t already, follow me on Instagram because I briefly talked about this on my story as well--but I don’t want this to be a staple on my blog where it’s seen as an opportunity to take advantage of a very troubling time; also, I, as some of you probably are as well, am becoming overwhelmed with the influx of news so I still want my blog to harbor a safe and creative space that can be used as a place of security for some all the while offering the emotional support that I and this community can. In light of this, however, I did come up with a list of things to do during this time. I know that it says “during college breaks” but that is simply because I am in college. But these tips can be used for everyone and anyone who is home and needs to make time move along faster. However, this post will later list tips on staying safe, what social distancing actually means and two video links that have really helped me to understand more of what’s going on during these troubling times. But for now, here’s a list of Things to do During College Breaks. RestI saw a list similar to the one that I’m creating on Pinterest and at the top, the person said that we should rest but not too much. We don’t want to mess up our schedule with getting too much or too little sleep, which I always can agree, though I’m currently up at 2am writing this post when normally I would be asleep. So I guess my advice to you would be to do what works best for you. Don’t force sleep just because you can, try to be regulated in waking up because schedules really help your body stay consistent and not get tired throughout the day, but also adjust to your normal schedule as well. So if you’re normally up at these times when you’re off break, do the same thing you’ve been doing. I think getting more sleep only works if you’ve been getting less than you should during school. So catch up on that and sleep in if you normally have 8ams but try not to go to bed later if you don’t normally do so because it messes up your schedule. Read!As you guys already know, I have my 20 books to finish by the end of 2020 and I’ve done so well guys! I’m seven books into the list and I’m excited to pick up where I left off while being home. I think reading for pleasure is so good because it allows you to simply relax and discover something new--either about yourself or someone else. I’m going to go right ahead here and say “reading is fundamental” because it is! And it can be enjoyable as well. Maybe invite a friend to read a book with you, so you guys can keep each other accountable and be able to talk about it together. Though, I know not everyone enjoys reading per se so it’s a great thing that audiobooks are a thing! Try out audible. I’m trying not to add anymore books to my list because then I’ll get distracted and won’t finish the original list, but just know I have a whole new slew of books to share with you guys that I can hopefully have time to tackle by the end of this year. Clean and reorganize.I can’t lie to you guys and say that I’m not a little messy, especially during midterms and finals week. But since coming home in a scramble, I’ve realized that my room needs an even bigger makeover since leaving for college was also a rush and a scramble. Lol. I don’t want to think of this as a dreadful task or chore however, especially since I love how it feels to have a clean, messy free space. So to make things more enjoyable, I’ve created a playlist for you guys! Follow me on Spotify for all my other playlists but this one is specifically for staying home and tedious chores. I’ve been discovering new music too so we can enjoy this playlist together as we decide whether that shirt on the floor is clean or only “slightly” dirty. Haha. NetflixNeed I say more? Catching up on our movies and tv shows are all we live for during breaks. Sit down and just binge, baby. You’ve earned it. I normally would suggest going out to see that new movie that just came out but in spirit of remaining indoors, stream on amazon prime to watch famous titles (that you know and I love) such as Aladdin (guys, I really loved that live action. Best remake they ever did.), A Quiet Place (because A Quiet Place 2 is coming out soon! I hope it’s a little better than the first one.), or Avengers (because why the hell not and because I shamefully don’t not have Disney Plus. Yet). Again, this is another activity you can still do with friends as you both watch the movie and have each other on FaceTime, or with your family as you use this time to connect at home. I’ve recently started a Netflix original called The Dragon Prince. It’s a cartoon and I’m loving it so far. It’s a huge mental break as I also rewatch Greys Anatomy from season 1 again. Lol. Connect with friends and familyI know this can be hard when you and your friends are so close but must remain so far, but the power of technology shall never fail us! FaceTime, text, voice messages, do what you can to stay connected. Just because you’re far apart doesn’t mean relationships die and all connections are lost. Keep in contact for everyone’s sanity but while you’re home, enjoy being with your family for as much as you can. You’ll need them as you learn to readjust. Start a new project!Projects sound BIG but I like to think big when I have five to six months to plan. They also give you something to look forward to doing everyday. Granted, we still have online classes BUT now you’re home with nothing and no one demanding your physical presence, so take advantage and maybe work on making new music (or creating a new playlist!), or a redecorating your room. I want to write another short story so in between homework I’ll be writing up new scenes. It’ll help keep your mind off of time moving soo...slowly... and it’ll keep your mind busy. Maybe this is the time to start working on that research project you thought you’d have to wait another year to do. It can be educational or it can be something fun but definitely make it something to aspire towards. Take up a new hobbyThat keyboard that your mom got you for your fifteenth birthday that you threw in a closet and never used? Yeah, pull it out, dust it off and learn how to play a few notes. Learn a new song! Take up painting, or knitting, or photography. Learn to ride a skateboard. Bake! Now’s the time to tap into your creative side. You don’t want to loose it! So start your blog or your YouTube channel or your website. Or pick up on a hobby you used to love but have lost time for. My violin looks kind of abandoned in my closet at the moment. Maybe it’s time I picked it up again... Social media breaksThis time is a break above anything else, so treat it as such. We all know how draining social media can be and as much as we want to stay in contact with friends, disconnecting every once in awhile is okay too. It can sometimes be necessary in order to clear your mind and just enjoy the day. So let people know that you’re going off the grid and then just take a day to notice the world around you. Take a walk, center yourself, mediate and just think and focus on you and your life. It’ll leave you more at peace for the next day or few days to come. Self careIt’s so important! Before going home for break I was scrambling to finish big projects for midterms and my stress and anxiety levels were so high. But I’m on break now so I’m using this time to pamper and check in with myself. Do your face masks, run a bath as often as you can, journal and just revive your mental health. Especially now when the future is a little uncertain, you want to have used this time to get you mentally and physically prepared for what’s coming next. And you want to be able to enjoy your break with a fresh mind and a calm heart. Catch up on work!We are still taking classes online so please remember we have homework due. (Cough cough to myself. Lol). But if you’re on break and have assignments or things due when you go back, get ahead or get caught up in whatever way you can. You don’t want to loose too much motivation, that you completely forget everything when coming back. And if you don’t have any work due, then task yourself with looking and applying to jobs and internships for the summer. Some of you may be working now but it always helps to plan ahead for the future. I hope these tips were helpful for you. I’m definitely going to be practicing as many of these as I can. From here on, I will be giving you tips and advice on staying safe with as much information as I can, but I highly recommend you constantly check up on the CDC website. The most reliable updates will be on there. SoCial distancing: what is it?Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19. (Source: Hopkinsmedicine.org) Practicing social distancing by staying indoors is the easiest way to avoid from contracting and spreading the virus, however staying indoors all day can negatively affect mental health. This is why it’s important to note that social distancing can still be applied to when going outside--whether it’s for leisure or it’s for work--and is best practiced when six feet away to avoid getting caught by a wayward cough or sneeze. Tips for staying safe!Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. The last bit is easily overlooked but is the most important step. Sing your abc’s or the happy birthday song twice in your head and you’ll be good. And if you don’t have soap and water readily available use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Cover all coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Immediately after, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer and make sure to throw your tissue in the trash when you’re done. Wear a face mask and gloves at all times. If you can't afford to buy a mask, make one of your own. They can get creative! But it's the best way to keep everyone around you safe. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using soap before disinfection. (Source: cdc.gov) Other linksIf you’re in the mood for a little light humor but more facts and information, I recommend-
John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight: Coronavirus I John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight: Coronavirus II Note: I am NOT a health expert, I’ve simply done research on what is available to me. If there is anything here that you’ve found to be false PLEASE let me know. There’s a lot of misinformation being circulated and with the uncertainty among the mass panic and the scary outcomes of this situation, the last thing I want to do is give you guys false information. We are here to support and inform each other so be kind to each other in the comments, share stories if you need to keep each other company--social distancing can feel a lot like social isolation at times--and for any wrong information, give me your source so I can list it down below and I’ll change things right away. Other than that, I love you guys. Stay safe, and I hope you guys can use my earlier tips on What to do During College Breaks to hopefully make this hard time a little easier. With love, Arianna
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AuthorI'm an 21 year old girl who lives in NY. I love to read and write and fashion is my life. Follow me to find out more! Archives
January 2023
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