For many of us, we put so many things above our own well-being. Work, kids, spouse, other loved ones, and all the other responsibilities that come along with being adults. Very important things, but if we don’t take care of ourselves then we are in no shape to give our best to any of these other responsibilities.

It is vital to take time for ourselves and listen to our bodies to figure out what each of us need to be happy and healthy so we can pursue what it’ll take to make that happen. Self-care is so much more than just keeping up with our beauty routines; self-care is any activity that we deliberately do to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional health.

One of the most expected things that happen when we have chronic stress is getting sick. Fruits and veggies are vital for preventing this because vitamins and minerals are the nutrients that help our body fight viruses.
 
Daily recommendation of fruits and veggies all the time. Women, you need 2 cups of fruits a day and 2 ½ cups of vegetables. Men, you need 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables.

 

1. First-Time users must complete the Hilltop Reserve intake (Must be current PVAMU student)
2.  Email Dr. Meaquell Lewis to complete the Foodbank Application to receive Food Scholarship ID

 
Hilltop Reserve Intake Link: https://pvamu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6nkPXLEJ4LoZxOt

Meaquell Lewis, PhD, LMSW
Program Coordinator II
Hilltop Reserve (Emergency Resource Center)
Ph: 936-261-1419
melewis@pvamu.edu
 

Dr. Jelena Kecmanovic, a psychologist, wrote an article on helpful tips to help cope with the coronavirus anxiety.  Below are a brief summary of her tips.  Read full article

1. Understand What Is "Normal" Feeling anxious is a normal human reaction when responding to a threat. However, the body cannot maintain the high level of stress that comes with high anxiety. Seek professional help if you are feeling overwhelmed.
2. Practice Tolerating The intolerance of uncertainty can make people vulnerable to anxiety. Practice tolerating uncertainty by reducing behaviors that feed into the anxiety of uncertainty.
3. Tackle The Anxiety Paradox It is tempting to try to get rid of the anxiety, but that creates a paradox. The more you fight it, the harder it fights back in the long run. Instead, accept the anxious thoughts/feelings/sensations without judgement.
4. Don't Underestimate Human Resiliency The human mind is really good at predicting the worst, but research has shown that people tend to underestimate how well they will cope with difficult times. Trust yourself!
5. Strengthen Self-Care Remember, the tried-and-true anxiety prevention is to engage in self-care. Self care strategies can include getting adequate sleep, exercise, practice mindfulness, and employ relaxation techniques.
6. Create Magic Playlists Ever heard a song that makes you smile? Some songs can remind us of happy experiences, or the music itself can calm us down. Make a playlist of such songs and listen to it when you’re starting to feel a bit isolated or down
7. Dive Into That Project You Keep Avoiding You know you have one. Did you want to start a small vegetable garden? Organize your bookshelf? Sort your clothes for donation? How many time have you use the excuse “I don’t have time?” Well, now you do!