Health & Wellness During COVID-19

Pick up free HPW kits!
We offer contactless health kits for students in need. We have sleep kits, COVID-19 safety kits, sexual health kits, and sun safety kits. Starting February 15, 2021 kits that are ordered before 8:00 a.m. on Mondays will be available for pick up on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in 110 HUB. Kits that are ordered before 8:00 a.m. on Thursdays will be available for pick up on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in 110 HUB. You will be required to wear a mask and follow physical distancing guidelines in the HUB. Please fill out a request for your kit here.
Taking Care of Your Health and Wellness During the COVID 19 Outbreak
As the Coronavirus spreads and communities respond with increasing protective measures, we must be mindful of the need to maintain our health and wellness through establishing new routines and practices to support healthy living. Social distancing and shelter in place orders are changing the way we learn, work, socialize and ultimately how we take care of ourselves. With the shifts and changes to our daily life coupled with looming uncertainty about the future, many of us are feeling anxious and stressed. Below are tips and suggestions for how to care for yourself and maintain your health and wellness during these difficult times.
- Stay Connected During Social Distancing
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As online learning removes the in-person social networks that we depend on for support and connection, it is critical that we find new ways to maintain our human connection. As we physically distance ourselves consider reaching out via text, phone, engaging in gaming platforms, social media platforms and video conferencing. Challenge yourself to reach out to friends and family daily. Reaching out will remind loved ones and friends that they are not alone.
- Create a Schedule & Routine
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As your university commitments, clubs and activities fall away from your schedule it can be tempting to relax into the freedom and space of your new schedule. Sadly, this can morph into a lack of motivation and purpose as you find yourself aimlessly going through your day. It is critical to build in structure to keep you motivated, engaged and on top of your assignments.
- Exercise Regularly
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As gyms and fitness centers close their doors it is important to find new ways and approaches to incorporate regular exercise in your day. Besides utilizing information and/or videos from Campus Recreation, there are many free online offerings from yoga to HIIT classes. It’s simply a matter of finding what will work best for you. Connect with a friend to create accountability and make sure you get your workouts in. Consider reaching out to the same friend you would go to the recreation buildings with on campus. That person can become your virtual accountability partner moving forward. You can text your friend to let them know you are starting your workout or even video chat as you exercise.
- Reduce Stress
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Finding ways to reduce stress and anxiety is critical to your overall health and wellness. Please be sure to take breaks from social media, news outlets, and course work throughout the day. Typically, moving between classes and walking across campus naturally creates those breaks for you. Now that you are at home, you will need to create meaningful breaks for yourself. Find activities to engage that will help you deal with stress, anxiety and the overwhelm of uncertain times. Try taking time to read a book, keep a journal, meditate, get out into nature, explore a new hobby, etc.
- Get Plenty of Sleep
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Reading endless news articles and getting up to speed with online learning can be exhausting. Try to maintain regular sleep cycles by going to sleep and waking daily at approximately the same time. If your cell phone’s constant delivery of news stories and updates are keeping you up into the wee hours, consider charging your phone in another room so you can get some shuteye.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
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Stress can drive many of us to unhealthy eating habits but now is a critical time to maintain our most healthy approach to eating to give us the energy and stamina we need to deal with all the shifts and changes. Hold off on binging on junk food and take care of your mind and body by fueling it with healthy choices.
Health Promotion & Wellness Services Available During Remote Learning
During this time, Health Promotion & Wellness (HPW) is still offering various services. They are offering the following services remotely:
- MIP and BASICS appointments are available via Zoom. To schedule an appointment, email promotinghealth@psu.edu.
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Wellness Services and Nutrition appointments can be scheduled via myUHS.
Students can also leave a phone message at 814-863-0461 to schedule appointments. Please leave your full name, Penn State Access ID (abc123) and a phone number with area code. A staff member will contact you by phone or email during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday).