March 30, 2020

Trivia, Internships, Coping with Anxiety (3/30 Update)

Honors College Community,

I hope your first week of telelearning went smoothly. Today’s update focuses on: Honors College social media trivia, resources on COVID-19, canceled internships, staying motivated/productive and how to deal with COVID-19 anxiety and stress.

Honors College updates:

  • Starting today, the Honors College will post trivia questions on Monday and Thursday in our Instagram stories. The first rounds will focus on Honors College staff trivia questions. You’ll have 24 hours to submit your answer and the winner will receive a prize in the mail. Follow us on Instagram.

Resources

  • Greenville has a Stop the Spread order currently in effect until April 10. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has issued an executive order for people to stay at home until April 29 to slow the spread of COVID-19.
  • Don’t forget to keep your phone clean! This guide provides clear step-by-step directions for how to keep your phone disinfected.
  • Suddenlink is offering free internet to students in their coverage area.

Had you applied for a summer internship that has either been canceled or could potentially be canceled because of the pandemic? This Forbes article shares some ways to prepare for that possibility and make the most of your summer. A few of their tips are starting your own project, conducting your own research, study for standardized tests, and reading.

Are you having problems staying motivated and productive while working at home? This Times article shares tips for staying productive and mentally healthy while working at home. Making sure you have a dedicated work/study space is crucial as is keeping a structured daily schedule.

Dealing with all of these changes during this time can be stressful and create anxiety. Dr. Ali Mattu, a clinical psychologist who taught at Columbia University and has worked with Netflix, Buzzfeed and HBO, shared tips on coping with COVID-19 anxiety, listed below. He also has a YouTube Channel (The Psych Show) where he has shared several videos around COVID-19, such as Mental Illness during coronavirus, To all seniors graduating during the coronavirus, and How to cope when the world is canceled.

A few of Dr. Ali Mattu’s tips:

  • Set routines for yourself in the morning, afternoon and night. They will give you something to look forward to and will ground you.
  • Try to limit your news and social media usage some. It can increase your worries.
  • Watch at least one thing a day to help you detach. It can be a new show, YouTube videos, a funny movie, etc.
  • Find something you can get totally absorbed in, such as playing a game you love, art projects, creating music, etc.

All of us in the Honors College are thinking about you and your loved ones. Let us know if you have any questions, concerns or need someone to talk to you.