Hannah’s Experience…

I was in the library printing out an essay for my next class when I first heard the news: Classes were online. At first, I felt excitement. I went to meet up with my friends and we all agreed that we would all stay at school and continue to live in southern California. However, things changed quickly, and before I knew it, my school announced that they would be refunding housing costs and they wanted everyone to move home. The next few days were a blur of packing, and before I knew it, I was saying goodbye to my roommate. As I headed to my car alone, about to drive the 8 hours back to the bay area, I broke down in tears. It finally hit me that my life was changing. School had become my home, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye for the summer. I eventually settled into the long drive. However, as soon as I got home and my mom opened the door, I burst into tears. It felt like my world was falling apart.

Since that moment, I have not only come to accept the situation, but I have chosen to be grateful.  I am healthy, I have a loving family to quarantine with, and saying goodbye was so hard because I have incredible friends. I have tried to keep as much normalcy in my life as possible. I still work out five days a week (just from home, instead of the gym), I go to bed at the same time, and I still take the weekends off from school work. I have started doing more things that I don’t usually have time for, like reading, baking and studying to become a personal trainer! 

However, we are living in crazy times, and it is not always easy to find the good and stay positive. I have my days where I feel sad and helpless, but I choose to believe that showing these emotions is a sign of my strength. 

Hannah’s top 3 tips for dealing with so much change:

1. Take everything one day at a time

It can be easy to get caught up in the uncertainty of the future. Instead of letting yourself worry about when everything will go back to normal, choose to take each day as it comes. 

2. Get moving!

Staying active has been one of the biggest sources of joy for me! Take a walk, do a bodyweight workout, or dance around your room-whatever you enjoy to get your endorphins flowing!

3. Be kind to yourself

It’s okay if you’re not as productive or motivated as usual. These are hard times and it’s important to remind yourself that you are worthy and strong, regardless of how much you do or don’t get done.