As you should know by now, the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is by practicing “social distancing,” quarantine, and isolation. It is not unusual to experience feelings of anxiety, worry, or fear during an unprecedented time such as this. Here are some resources to help you cope with the boredom, loneliness, or uncertainty you may experience/be experiencing:
Mental Health Resources/Telemedicine
- Dr. Peter Cornish will be offering sessions via Zoom. Contact him for more information.
- Online Therapy (BetterHelp is not free, but this article offers links to other online therapy platforms that ARE free): https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/get-free-online-therapy-should-you-use-free-counseling/
- Telemedicine – your PCP may already have a preferred platform, if not here are a few sites (Check with your insurance provider about coverage/preferred platforms): https://patient.doctorondemand.com/register/; https://amwell.com/cm/; https://www.teladoc.com/; https://www.mdlive.com/; https://www.healthtap.com/for-members
- Online AA Meetings: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a71ccw7ihaWelksKwOp4AzAkYlVqSoKiN6Gsm38bKMU/preview?fbclid=IwAR2R5czpPQPPklCGgMcReJZdgOuEcJ8nCIM9kUbxA1EU1r3TY328JkqfNW8
Exercise/Meditation/Yoga Classes
- In NYS, ALL gyms have been closed for public health reasons.
- FREE Online Mindfulness/Meditation/Yoga Classes: https://www.themindfulnesscenter.org/onlineclasses
- Heartspace Yoga in Troy and Albany will be offering FREE classes via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/HeartspaceYogaTroy/
- JAI Yoga School in Slingerlands is offering FREE classes on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/JAIyogaschool/
- YouTube is a treasure trove of FREE workout videos for all fitness levels
- Take a walk/jog/run outside! Just be sure to stay at least six feet away from any person you might encounter. *** NYS has waived ALL park fees ***
- Take a FREE ballet class! You must create an account on the Cleveland Inner-City Ballet website for access to tutorials/guides, but check the Cleveland Inner-City Ballet Facebook page for live classes. Upon return to school, I expect to see you exclusively pas de bourrée-ing through the halls!: https://www.clevelandinnercityballet.org/single-post/2020/03/14/Cleveland-Inner-City-Ballet-to-launch-Virtual-Online-Ballet-Instruction-Program?fbclid=IwAR0wNMAev9KdTXR97X-I1nNtCc3SqTO2eSjHWsuWJ_peSu82XkznsXmlnwE
- Peloton offers FREE 90-day subscription on its app, the app does NOT require you to own a Peloton-branded treadmill or bike to use: https://www.onepeloton.com/app
- Metabolic Online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/155938075546703/
Entertainment/Culture
- Opera Fan? Check out Met Opera’s FREE nightly streaming of a select opera (Olivia recommends the Carmen performance starring Elena Garanca available until March 17!): https://www.metopera.org/
- FREE Virtual Art Exhibits: https://hyperallergic.com/547919/2500-virtual-museum-tours-google-arts-culture/
- “All the Museum Exhibits, Symphonies, and Operas You Can Enjoy From Home”: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/all-the-museum-exhibits-symphonies-and-operas-you-can-enjoy-from-home
- Universal Pictures is releasing its current movies online for streaming by end of this week (3/16/2020): https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/media/universal-movies-streaming-coroanvirus/index.html
- Become the “King of Old Broadway!”. Broadway has gone dark, but you can still enjoy incredible musical theater and plays just from the comfort of your own couch: https://www.playbill.com/article/15-broadway-plays-and-musicals-you-can-watch-on-stage-from-home?fbclid=IwAR3WDSxy4cbQ4aicZXA9teqHOvQ3x–T6JZHmEKMykC5SxzwWj77Tu2t33w
Food
- In NYS, restaurants and bars are ONLY allowed to do take our/delivery. All restaurants and bars are closed to eat-in customers. To order, use online services like GrubHub, DoorDash, Postmates, etc. or just go directly to the restaurant/bar’s website.
- Take the time to discover/experiment with new recipes!
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations are allowed to remain open. Consider ordering your groceries online and either pick them up or have them delivered to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
- Go to convenience stores, like Stewart’s Shops! Most still have anti-bacterial wipes, toilet paper, soap, and other cleaning supplies/essentials.
Education/School Work
- GET AHEAD! Take advantage of the extra time you have and start/continue outlining, reading, and writing papers/notes.
- Left your books at school? The bookstore and various publishers are offering FREE access to casebook e-books through June 1st: www.Follett.com/RedShelf (limit of seven e-books per student); https://support.wklegaledu.com/hc/en-us/requests/new (Casebook Connect access); https://support.vitalsource.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020563694-Create-an-Account (any Aspen/WolterKluwer not available via Casebook Connect); https://eproducts.westacademic.com/ (create an account at this site, then call Customer Service at 877-888-1330 (ext. 4)
- Take an interesting, non-law related online course: https://www.classcentral.com/collection/ivy-league-moocs
- Catch up on pleasure reading! Listen to a new podcast (Olivia highly recommends Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell)!
Miscellaneous
- Get organized! Clean out that closet you can barely shut. Channel your inner-Marie Kondo and only keep those things that *spark joy*.
- Craft! Garden! Foster a pet!
- For more suggestions, checkout the National Jurist’s Coronavirus Survival Guide for Law Students: https://www.bluetoad.com/publication/frame.php?i=651937&p=11&pn=&ver=html5
- June Farms (275 Parker Rd, West Sand Lake, NY 12196) is opening up their beautiful grounds for folks to wander around at a safe social distance. Visit their event site for more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/june-farms-walk-tickets-100172550796?fbclid=IwAR2JygnniRPZT85qcclsyHkM2rqUoh5_lot_rPUtc4D9id0EQ3zdQS_-BKk
Most importantly, establish a routine for yourself! Structure and discipline often helps ward off any negative, intrusive thoughts. Being alone can be very difficult so be sure to check-in with yourself and others. Keep in contact via technology!
As always, please reach out with any comments/concerns you may have. The Wellness Initiative is here for all students, faculty, and staff during this tumultuous period. Wash your hands and stay healthy!