I received this email from Duke Divinity’s chaplain during my last semester of my masters, not long ago. It was really helpful to me. I touched it up with some Auburn/Wesley specifics and wanted to now pass on to you what’s been given to me…
Stress is a normal and expected part of life. Attending college during a global pandemic in a country wrestling with issues of systemic racism and painful political polarization magnifies that stress. Anxiety is ever-present in this moment. The baseline of anxiety means that things that would otherwise not have as much impact or would not feel overwhelming instead may feel very overwhelming. You may find yourself unable to do work at the level you have previously (both in quality and volume). This is normal, and to be expected. Have grace with yourself.
With so much uncertainty, find a sustainable pace for the road ahead. Scripture says we are to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1), but what type of race? At this point, we know this is not a sprint. It is not even a marathon. It is an ultra-run whose end we do not know. Considering that, find a pace you can sustain indefinitely and identify the practices that renew your energy.
Jesus said to love your neighbor as you love yourself (Matthew 22:9). This commandment presumes that you love yourself as God loves you. God cares for you and caring for yourself is an important part of following Jesus. Self-care will mean different things for different people. Here are a few practical basics:
· Get enough sleep. Sleep is an important part of giving your body and mind a rest. It will help restore your physical and mental resource. Sleep deprivation has short term and long-term impact on health. Many times, your mental focus will be clearer, and you will be better able to absorb new information or do necessary creative writing when you are well-rested. Jesus slept in the storm, and you can too.
· Eat a good diet. At minimum be sure you are eating. Food is fuel for your body and mind! God makes Godself known in the breaking of bread and sharing a meal—there is something holy to mealtime. We’ll have a dinner break at 6pm under the tent THIS Thursday evening. (I don’t know if Dominos counts as a “good diet”, but the fellowship/holy meal sharing - we've got that covered for sure!)
· Move. Exercise is good self-care for many people (rather tortuous for others). Exercise can help release the tension that builds up in your body when you are stressed. Even if you are not interested in being a mega-athlete, getting out for a walk and breathing fresh air is good for you. We’re offering FREE yoga at the tent tomorrow at noon! Make use of the Rec on campus. Better yet get outside - head to Chewacla or Kiesel for a couple hours to walk or hike or throw the frisbee or just stare at a tree and breath some fresh air.
· Create a little structure. In these days when we have lost many of the rhythms and markers of time, be intentional to inject structure and patterns into your day. Set a daily alarm. Shower and get ready (whatever that looks like for you). If you were making your bed pre-Covid, make your bed now. Set aside time for prayer or reading of scripture. FaceTime or call (or whatever you do to keep in touch with folks!) Set a general schedule for your day (even if you know there is inherent flexibility).
If you are on medication to manage anxiety or depression, now is not a good time to quit that medication. If you are not on medication but have wondered if you should be because your anxiety and/or depression is increasingly difficult to manage, reach out to your doctor and advocate for yourself.
· Stay connected. The social isolation of Covid-19 is one of the hardest aspects of this season. Even in a time of social distancing, it is still important to take breaks and to find balance. It is important to set aside time for relationships, family priorities, spiritual focus, and other hobbies or passion. It is simply not as easy to form relationships as organically as before the pandemic. You may have to be more intentional to find times with friends. Spending time with others (even virtually) is an important practice.
· Take Sabbath. Make sure you set time away from school and schoolwork. Sabbath is a fundamental part of the Christian life—it is meant to be a gift and an opportunity for refreshment.
· Give thanks. It is a right and a good and a joyful thing, always and everywhere, to give thanks to God. Studies show that reflecting each day on sources of joy and grace, even in the midst of the hardship, can be an important practice for improving mental health. Make time for gratitude.
We were not created to be alone or to be socially isolated. We were created for community! There are people within Auburn Wesley and the wider Auburn network who can be sources of support to you and those you care for. Trust in your ability to listen to the physical, emotional, and mental cues your body provides and reach out when needed. Please know David and I are glad to meet with you one-on-one via Zoom or in person.