SU students practice self-care during the pandemic
SU students practice self-care during the pandemic
With October underway, SU students have adapted to their new routines. With on campus activities moved to Zoom, social events canceled and some students in quarantine, students are feeling the impacts of the global pandemic. But to make sure they’re maintaining their mental and physical health, students are sharing their best self-care practices.
Name: Jalynn Zhang
Location: Theory Syracuse
Class: Junior
This semester, Jalynn Zhang has five online classes and one in-person class, which has given her more leisure time than she’s used to. Before the pandemic, Zhang would grab a quick bite to eat before class, grab lunch on campus and cook dinner for herself every day. But now, she’s cooking all three meals in her off-campus apartment.
As a Chinese student, Zhang cannot live without Chinese food, so she stocks up on groceries at the Asian food market every week. The market is a convenient 15-minute walk away from Theory, the student apartment building where she lives.
“I used to go to the grocery store twice a week,” she said. “For now, I spend most of my day staying at my apartment, and I have more time to cook.”
With her online classes, Zhang has spent more time with her roommate Vivian [insert last name?]. They typically have dinner together and watch Netflix movies after a long day of classes.
“Life is not that boring with social distancing. Just don’t isolate yourself,” Zhang said. “It’s so important to talk to your friend, especially at this time. You can support and have fun with each other.”
A big part of Zhang’s self-care routine is trying new cosmetic products. She used to shop at Sephora at Destiny USA, but she’s since moved to online shopping.
“The pandemic can never stop me shopping. Keep what you love and what you like to do,” She said. “If you run, you run. If you read, you read. ”
Name: Yihan Chen (me)
Location: Shanghai, China
Class: Senior
This semester is different than any other. As a Chinese student and last semester senior, I made a hard decision to take my final classes online in Shanghai. Taking all classes remotely is awful and doing remote learning with a 12-hour time difference makes things even worse.
My Monday and Wednesday classes are from 10:35 p.m. to 2 a.m, while my Tuesday and Thursday classes are from 2 a.m. to 3:20 a.m. My classes have switched my regular sleep schedule, so I make sure to keep hydrated and fuel my body. Every day when I get up, I drink one bottle of water with a scoop of dietary supplement powder to provide me essential daily vitamins. I drink at least five glasses of water per day to keep hydrated.
Before the pandemic, I barely exercised. Now, I’ve incorporated fitness into my self-care routine. After dinner, my mom and I jog along the riverside for at least one hour. The riverside offers beautiful views and fresh air. For me, exercising has maintained my physical health and has helped my mental health.
Name: Natalie Dascoulias
Location: The Marshall Syracuse
Class: Junior
With two internships and four online classes, this semester has been busy for Natalie Dascoulias. Because she’s spending so much time looking at her computer screen, Dascoulias bought a pair of blue light blocking glasses to keep her eyes from getting strained and tired.
When she can, Dascoulias spends time safely outside, especially with the Syracuse winter weather around the corner.
“It’s nice to get some fresh air once in a while since I am spending so much time inside,” she said. “I don’t feel comfortable using any gym equipment in my apartment or on campus, so I like to get outside for exercise.”
Tennis has been Dascoulias’ go-to because it allows her to stay socially distant while hanging out with friends.
Dascoulias also started using HelloFresh this semester, a meal kit delivery service. With food delivered right to her door, she doesn’t have to go to the grocery store.
is a digital producer for The NewsHouse.
