Student Health and Wellness CAMPUS CONNECTION

Student Wellness has partnered with the Department of Residence and ISU Dining to bring you a weekly newsletter filled with tips, activities and resources to help you stay healthy! Even though we aren't able to be with you in person, we're here to help you throughout the rest of the semester. To view past newsletters, look under the Stay Informed header on this page . Keep reading and look for this publication in your inbox every Wednesday - take care, Cyclones!

Staying Close, But Not Too Close

Maintaining healthy relationships while social distancing can be difficult. Whether it’s a relationship with a partner or a roommate or friend, the change in dynamics can be taxing on a relationship. Here are some tips for how to navigate this with those you care about.

Living In Close Quarters: Spending a little more time with your roommate, friend, partner, parents/guardians, or other loved ones more than you’re used to? Are you and others feeling a shift in your relationship from being confined to the same space more than usual? Here are some things to consider:

Communicate well and often. Are the dishes that stack up bugging you more than they usually do? Are you feeling stuck or smothered? Do you want clearer boundaries on how loud the music should be at different times of the day? Communicating in a healthy way can help find resolution for all of these. Make sure to use “I” statements Listen to what they have to say Connect with your Community Advisor (CA) or Hall Director Stay solutions-focused

Have designated solitary time and/or space. It’s completely understandable if you’re loving the extra quality time that is baked into quarantining together. But, you and whoever you’re living with could probably benefit from intentional alone time. Even if you don’t think you need it, your partner or roommate might.  Have other support systems. Make sure you’re reaching out to other friends and family. Even though you are physically distancing, your support system should be more than just your partner and/or roommate(s). Refer to the Keep Community, Stay Informed, Be Well campaign website and encourage your friends and family to be doing the same.

Reach Out for Help if You Don’t Feel Safe If you feel unsafe with the person you are quarantined with or you’re concerned about a friend, there are resources ready to help. Learn more about ISU’s sexual misconduct resources and community resources like ACCESS . 24/7 support is available. In an emergency, call 911.

Relationships at a Distance

Living alone? Did your partner or roommate(s) go back to their hometown far away from you? Do things feel different with your friends now that you’re away from campus? Here are some helpful strategies for you to help maintain your friendships at a distance.

Adapt Your Typical Routine Bummed because you used to always get lunch together? Did you always watch a show together? No problem, just keep the routine going with a video chat! Miss meeting them at the gym? Hop onto the same fitness class from Recreation Services.

Check-in On How Your Friends Are Doing Do you have some concerns? Ask a couple simple questions: What is quarantining alone or with their partner/roommate(s) like? What’s something they’re doing to feel happy right now? Remember Student Counseling Services is still available for phone check-ins and to help students find additional care if needed.

Dating While Social Distancing Did you connect with someone you’re really into? Exciting! Social distancing can be extra frustrating in moments like this, but it’s still essential. Use this time to get creative with dating. Here are a few ideas: Make the same meal and have a dinner date via video chat. Take turns asking each other questions and keep getting to know each other. Download a game that you both can play to add some fun competition. And as always, be wise and practice consent when sending any pictures of yourself, especially to people you don’t know well. Check out this resource for important tips and information on safer virtual dating.

Recipe of the Week - Chicken Tacos Each week we'll pass along a recipe you can use to make delicious meals in your residence hall, apartment, or home microwave! This week: Chicken tacos. 5 - 6 frozen chicken breasts 1 cup salsa 1 packet taco seasoning 1/4 ranch dressing hard or soft taco shells  Put chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning all into a crock pot on low for at least six hours or until the chicken is able to shred. Add the ranch dressing and mix. Put spoonfuls of the filling into the taco shell and enjoy! Watch these short 1-2 minute videos on other recipes and ways to prepare certain foods!

Prioritize Your Wellbeing Now in Canvas, this course follows the Student Wellness Keep Community, Stay Informed and Be Well information developed for you! The course will have new activities, videos, and resources added every week for you to keep community, stay informed and be well. Access the course in Canvas or via this link - and remember, we're here for you!

We're All in This Together!

Together, we can all help keep our community healthy . Continue to check this website for the latest Iowa State related updates on COVID-19. Check in on your friends, be kind, wash your hands and log in to Canvas for more ways to help you Keep Community, Stay Well and Be Informed during this time.

Information brought to you by Student Health and Wellness in partnership with the Department of Residence and ISU Dining.