Members of Psi Chi, we call on you to take action against the blatant acts of racial oppression in the United States. As members of the psychology community, and frankly people, our actions against hate are imperative in facilitating change. Please use your voices and speak out against these atrocities. Here are resources for combating racial oppression:
One of the activities I enjoy is writing poems. My poems are mainly to influence positivity and teach healthy, motivational life skills to readers. Here is my process:
Firstly, I think of various topics. Then, I think about the main idea. Once I have the main idea planned out, I start writing the first words in the poem. This leads me to develop more ideas as I keep writing the poem. When I am halfway done, I read the first half to check for misspelling and how well it gives out the message I plan to give to readers. After that, I write the second half. Then I read the second half and do the same checking techniques I used for the first half. Next, I read the poem out loud to hear how it sounds. Last, but not least, I pick a good picture for the poem’s background image for creativity and I copy paste the poem into the picture. When I am finished with that my poem is now complete.
See Javier’s poetry below:
* If you have tips and suggestions on how to cope during this pandemic, please leave them in the comments : )
I worked at Red Lobster for almost 10 years to the day. I am forever grateful that I had that opportunity because it is the place that taught me one of the most important skills for a human being: how to interact with others. I promise this won’t be a diatribe on how to interact with others during quarantine…because you shouldn’t be physically interacting with others! One thing, I hated about the restaurant biz had nothing to do with the restaurant itself. I hated the odd hours. There were days where I went to school from 8-3 and had a night shift from 4-11p. I could not wait until I had a normal 9-5 routine, where I could start and end my work day at the same time every…single…day…
Turns out I picked the wrong job for that. As a university professor, my parents think I work 8a-10a, my friends don’t think I work at all… but I’m on call 24/7. Don’t get me confused with your real doctor; I am on call 24/7 because I want to be. I choose to be accessible to my students. But this makes it difficult, especially in a time of quarantine to keep a sense of routine. Right now Over 95% of Americans are now living in their home 24/7 and although this might actually excite the introvert in all of us, it has led to a mash-up of days where I sleep, eat, and even go to the bathroom like one of Thomas & Chess’s Difficult Babies. (There’s a reason all the baby books my wife and I are reading emphasize developing a eating and sleeping routine!)
I started off well. In early March, I had my daily healthy breakfast, practiced mindfulness on my favorite app (Stop, Breathe, and Think), and took Porkchop for a 1 mile walk. That would set me off on the right foot…for a while. Thirty-two days later, I’m looking at my leftover Cinnamon Toast Crunch bowl that I had for lunch, stacked on top of my Velveeta Shells and Cheese bowl that I had for breakfast. I am living proof of the importance of creating a routine.
I suspect that some of you might be in the same boat. There are a few things that we can do together to help us maintain our sense of routine during quarantine. I’ll start with the research since that’s what I’m suppose to teach you anyway. A study of 987 adults in 2018 suggests that creating (1) work routines and (2) sleep-wake routines is associated with subjective well-being (as measured by the World Health Organizations 5-question scale). This is especially interesting because most of us have the ability to create our work routines for the foreseeable future. Plan out your day and don’t forget to be flexible. For instance, yesterday I told myself I would grade for only 60 minutes. I ended up grading for about 45 minutes, but checking it off my to-do list sure felt good!
Sleep-wake routines might be more difficult for college students, but at all costs, I would recommend trying your best to fall asleep within the same half-hour most nights (especially after this new study shows that irregular sleeping patterns are an independent risk for cardiovascular disease in older adults). Put the phone down. Pick the book up. Sit in the quiet with your pet for a bit. There are numerous things you can do to help your peacefully transition to your slumbers.
Finally, allot some time to (virtually) see your friends. Last week, I spoke with a student who is currently in Russia and I couldn’t stop thinking about the amazing technology in world we live. Two months ago, she was in my classroom asking me questions, and now she’s halfway across the world asking me how I’m doing. Make an added effort to do something out-of-the ordinary with your friends that you miss dearly. Download Houseparty and play some games; Chime in with your Psi Chi leaders and tell them you’re having twins.
Do whatever it takes to keep the connection. In the quarantine, you can create your own routine!
Training on self-compassion and resilience are free through the Sounds True website. Please take advantage of the opportunity as it might help you learn to be more self-compassionate and resilient during these tumultuous times. Find links below:
YOU@Lynn is a wonderful resource for keeping on top of your personal wellness during this time. To utilize this online resource, just visit you.lynn.edu. Their new and relevant content includes topics such as:
In order to help support you during this trying time, Lynn University’s CMHC program has put together a support plan for students in our undergraduate psychology program to get 1:1 virtual sessions from our CMHC graduate level interns.
These CMHC students have been working in the field since August 2019 and are eager to provide psychoeducation and consultation services to our undergrads.
Please click this link to view the services being offered and submit a request for service. You will then be contacted by a CMHC student.
Hello Psi Chi members and psychology enthusiasts! I know that it has been an emotionally trying time for us all during this COVID-19 crisis. I hope you are safe and healthy wherever you are reading this post. If you feel overwhelmed, know that there are resources, via the lovely internet, there to help you!
The APA come out with a lovely webinar for students called “Coping in the era of coronavirus: A webinar for students”. If you are interested, register through this link.
This Monday, February 24 from 12pm-1:00pm in Elaine’s the Office of Student Wellness will be talking about how to be safe during spring break, driving under the influence, the consequences of alcohol and other drug abuse and resources available for students who might be seeking help. The presenter is a speaker in recovery who will share their own story and perspective. Make sure to attend the other events this week as well!
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