Physical Distancing Tool Kit

Tool kit

During this challenging and uncertain time, it’s normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or worried about your own health, as well as that of your family and friends. 

Here are some ways you can take care of yourself:

How Can You Help Reduce the Spread of COVID-19

What you need to do

COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person through close physical contact.Close physical contact means:
  • being less than 2 metres away in the same room, workspace, or area for over 15 minutes
  • living in the same home
There is no vaccine available to protect against COVID-19, but there are things you should do to help prevent it from spreading.

Everyday actions

Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health:
  • wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • sneeze and cough into your sleeve
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • avoid contact with people who are sick
  • stay home and self-isolate if you are sick

Physical distancing

Everyone in Ontario should practice physical distancing to reduce their exposure to other people — this means you should:
  • stay home as much as possible – go grocery shopping once a week or less, only visit pharmacies and banks when necessary and place orders over the phone or online. Utilize delivery services that offer contactless drop-off
  • staying at least two metres away from anyone you do not live with
Self Isolating Resources
Staying Connected

Connecting with other people is considered a fundamental human need that is essential for overall wellbeing. So, what do we do in a time like this where we are being forced to self-isolate?

Use Technology in Unique Ways

  • Try scheduling a video chat during meal times to eat together with friends and family
  • Use Netflix Party to host a long-distance watch party
  • Create a group fitness challenge to motivate yourself and compete with others
  • Play games online
    • If you have a console you probably do this all the time, so continue with business as usual
    • If you not, there are a ton of smartphone games that allow you to play with friends:
    • There are also websites that allow you to connect with others
Dealing with Stress

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Taking steps to reduce your stress in a healthy way is important.

Coping with stress

If you find that your stress, worry, or other emotions are starting to affect your ability to study, sleep, or interact with others, reaching out for professional support can help. 

  • Student Health and Wellness is still accepting same-day appointments for counselling. Call to book 807-343-8361 in Thunder Bay, or 705-330-4008 ext. 2116 in Orillia. 

  • All students who are enrolled in LUSU’s extended healthcare plan (i.e. did not opt-out) have access to WeConnect and the iConnectYou app which offer instant access to a counsellor via chat, phone, text or video chat as well as a suite of online wellness resources. Check out: WeConnect or call 1-888-377-0002 for more information.

  • Togetherall.com

  • Good2talk

Apps

Websites

Mindfulness

Working Out at Home

Benefits of moving more:

  • Enhanced mental health and wellbeing
  • Regulated sleep patterns
  • Greater creativity and learning
  • Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Improved mood and self-esteem
  • Better concentration, memory, learning, and attention
  • Increased engagement and social activities
  • Higher productivity levels
  • Reduced risk of physical illness

If you don't have access to a fitness facility- there are a lot of ways to get moving in your own home! 

Campus Rec

NIRSA On-Demand Library

Classpass

  • Offering free access to 2000 pre-recorder workouts

Youtube

Apps

Eating Well
The stress response is your body’s signal to adapt to changes in the environment. Everyone reacts differently to stress, but many people find comfort in food, which may lead to overeating or choosing less nutritious foods. What you eat can affect your mood and how you perform academically and nutrition can play a powerful role in your physical and mental health.
  • Don't let physical distancing change your eating habits and try to follow Canada's Food Guide.
  • Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods and protein foods. 
  • Limit highly processed foods. If you choose these foods, eat them less often and in small amounts.
  • Make water your drink of choice
  • It also can be easy to graze throughout the day when you are studying at home, without even realizing how much or what you have eaten- try to practice mindful eating. 

Get some healthy recipe inspiration:

Thunder Bay

Grocery Delivery

Take Out and Meal Delivery

Food Banks/Soup Kitchens

Orillia

Grocery Delivery

Takeout and Meal Delivery

Food Banks

Get Some Rest
A lack of structure can wreak havoc on our sleep schedule. It is important to try to keep consistent sleep and wake times. A good night’s sleep has many benefits to your mental, physical, and emotional health, such as:
  • An improved ability to focus, remember and retain new information
  • A stronger immune response, making it easier for your body to fight off illnesses
  • A greater ability to complete tasks like studying, researching, and writing
  • Improved mood, where you’ll be less likely to feel anxious, irritable, sad, or worried
  • Sleep tips: 6 steps to better sleep

Websites

Apps

Get Outside

Physical distancing is about avoiding close contact with other people, not about staying indoors. It's okay to go outdoors for fresh air and exercise — to walk your dog, go for a hike or a run, for example. The point is not to remain indoors but to maintain physical distance between you and other people. Being outside can reduce stress and anxiety, help reduce mental fatigue, improve focus, and can boost your mood. Once returning home- wash your hands and wipe down hard surfaces (how to clean your phone).  

Studying from Home 

Shifting from on-campus to online comes isn't as easy as it seems- it can be easy to get distracted or overwhelmed. Here's some guidance: 

  • First, get changed out of your pyjamas every morning. It'll help get you in the right headspace for work.
  • Pick one or more dedicated workspaces, studying from home can blur the lines between personal and academic. Make sure those boundaries stay up. Try to keep the bedroom for sleeping and sex.
  • Create a schedule, break down all tasks that you want to get done and keep a checklist to stay on top of it.
  • Take breaks and step away from the laptop. 
  • Stay connected. Text or google hangout with classmates.
For more advice about learning online successfully- visit the academic support zone 
    More Articles and Resources
     
    ArticlesAppsResources
    Did we miss something?

    Do you think we're missing some useful resources? Let us know!

    Email us at: activities.shcc@lakeheadu.ca

    Staying positive can feel difficult during this time, but remember there is support available to you.

    Follow @lakeheadlife on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and @lupeerwellness for more ideas to stay well.