Two full weeks in quarantine or isolation is something most of us have never experienced before. Thanks to resources from our Counseling Services and Student Development offices, Birmingham-Southern is here to help students who might be struggling during their time in quarantine.

“It is totally normal to have some anxiety and worry about COVID-19, and anxiety often increases when we face new or unknown challenges,” says Director of Counseling Services Cara Blakes. “Yet, all of us have experienced a new or unknown challenge before, so we are not in this alone.”

Blakes encourages those in quarantine to ask and reflect on five questions every day.

What am I grateful for today?

• Keep things in perspective by thinking of people you are grateful to have in your life.
• Reflect on opportunities you can take advantage of with extra time.
• Get ahead or caught up on classwork and assignments.
• Get organized, make lists, or set plans for what you will do once out of quarantine.

How can I extend grace to myself and others today?

• Let go of expectations you would “normally” place on yourself or others.
• Make daily adjustments to develop helpful routines and schedules that work well for you.

How can I engage in caring for my body today?

• Take breaks, practice deep breathing, and remind yourself this is a temporary scenario.
• Eat healthy, balanced meals and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
• Use the websites hyperlinked below for resources on mindfulness, meditation, movement and exercise, healthy sleep hygiene and rest, and reducing anxiety and stress.
  • Headspace: exercises, videos, and articles on healthy coping skills
  • TAO Connect: videos on mindfulness and meditation practices
  • POPSUGAR Fitness: subscribe on YouTube for online workouts

What creative outlets and beauty can I cultivate or experience today?

• Engage in journaling, coloring, drawing, doodling, or sketching.
• Explore virtual museums, concerts and shows, and nature videos online.
• Make themed music playlists, videos, and audio recordings.

Who could I check in on or seek support from to stay connected today?

• Identify family members or friends you can check in on and who can offer you support.
• Inform your professors, advisor, contact tracer, coaches, or other staff of any specific needs.
• Seek additional support and resources as needed:
  • To speak with the nurse for physical health needs, call BSC Health Services at (205) 226-4717.
  • For medical care needs from a physician, contact your doctor’s office or the health care provider with the BSC Cahaba Medical Care Clinic at (205) 440-1432.
  • To speak with the counselor for mental or emotional health needs, call BSC Counseling Services at (205) 226-4717.
  • To speak with the chaplain or a campus minister for spiritual needs or guidance, call BSC Religious Life at (205) 226-4761.
  • For emergencies, contact Campus Police at (205) 226-4700.

Remember, whether you’re in quarantine, in isolation, or social distancing, you’re not alone, and we’re in this together.