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1. Stress is more damaging if you feel out of control. Find a daily routine that works for you. It will give you a sense of control during these uncertain times.
2. Try to move your body everyday. Exercise supplies your brain with neurotransmitters that keep your calm and alert. Even a brisk walk can help.
3. Stick to a regular sleep schedule and try to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Sleep is important for emotional regulation and will minimize mood swings between stressful and non-stressful days.
4. Try mindfulness meditation. It helps your prefrontal context quiet the fear generating amygdala to reduce the reactivity of your stress system.
5. A positive mindset helps reframe the situation to reduce stress but it can be hard, especially right now. Sending gratitude or kind words to others can be enough to shift your mindset from negative to positive (or at least neutral) and every little bit helps”.

– Jennifer Heisz, Department of Kinesiology

Students in McMaster’s Faculty of Science are greatly missed by all our faculty members and staff. Look for more #MacSciCares messages of reassurance and hope in the days ahead. For the latest McMaster COVID-19 updates, please go to covid19.mcmaster.ca.