Classes continue online during the COVID-19 pandemic and many college students have to worry about their classes, jobs, being parents or simply dealing with coronavirus stress.

The San Diego City College vice presidents had a conversation about self-care during a recent City Talk Unscripted discussion, which is the campus version of Ted Talks.

They each shared what they do for self-care.

To watch the live-stream of convocation, click here. 

Check out the birds 

Vice President of Instruction Matilda “Tillie” Chavez started the conversation by sharing her new ways for self-caring.

“I’ve been doing some bird watching, bird watching in my backyard,” Chavez said. “Watching them just bathe and little birdbaths, has been amazing for me. (It) just takes me to a different space and I really need that off and on.”

Vice President of Administrative Services John Parker also shared that he has been bird watching. 

Lisa Chaddock, a geography professor at City College, wrote in the chat, “Virtual bird watching with the Audubon Club students has been great!”

Get outdoors

Going out for walks and taking breaks after long hours of Zoom meetings was another thing Parker suggested. 

“We are all on Zoom,” Parker said. “We just Zoom through the entire day. Many of us are juggling family life. We have to help with their education, cook for them and be their psychologist, teachers.”

Parker also shared meditating in the morning and a little bit in the afternoon and evening has helped him. 

Many of the faculty in the live chat shared the idea of doing yoga, meditating, and getting some fresh air and sun or taking the pets out for a walk.

Eat healthier 

One of the perks of working from home is the ability to meal prep healthy food. 

“Working from home, it does give me the opportunity to meal prep and eat a little healthier,” Parker said. “At work sometimes we just grab a quick bite, fast food restaurants if you will or something from the vending machine just to keep us going.

“Eating healthier, resting, meditating, taking a walk, just taking a break and getting away, getting some fresh air.”

Click here for some healthy dinner ideas.

Play in the dirt

Gardening was one of the hobbies Denise Whisenhunt started doing. 

“I created a soul food garden, I have mustard greens, collard greens, okra,” said Whisenhunt, who is Vice President of Student Affairs. “So in the morning I snip it and throw it in the blender, that’s my way to connect back with my cultural self.” 

The Nations Health Association suggests that gardening is good for both the mind and body. Being outside in the fresh air and sunshine is an effective way to boost your mood and de-stress. To read more, click here. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRa0Kbp-vHA

There’s an app for this

Whisenhunt suggested a couple of apps she uses regularly. Some faculty members watching the live-stream also suggested more apps on the chat. 

“I use a couple of apps that just get me through the day,” Whisenhunt said. “One is Headspace, I absolutely love Headspace.”

Headspace is used to help with meditation for stress, anxiety, sleep and for focus. Other apps that were recommended were Calm, Shine and FitOn. 

https://youtu.be/t_yXe_6mYTA