Learn more about self-care for college students

Even while you may feel isolated from your North Central College community, our staff and faculty continue to care deeply about your health, wellness and academic success. These campus experts were happy to share their advice for your continued well-being!

Please check back weekly for new self-care tips and important information. You'll find an archive of all our tips below, with the newest on top. Check out the full list!

Week 4

Outlook

How to remain positive

Reflect on all the past accomplishments and memories of this past academic year. Only a small number of weeks were remote out of two full semesters.

Think about what you’re grateful for right now—like the completion of another year toward your degree!

Concentrate on optimistic thoughts and view every challenge as an opportunity for growth.

(From Tatiana Sifri, director of Dyson Wellness Center)

Mind

It’s more important than ever to stay in touch with your faculty members now and in the future.

Stay committed to doing your best in your academic work even you’re learning online. Ask for help! Faculty want to make sure you’re achieving the learning outcomes for the course.

Acknowledge the commonality that others are going through this too and use that as a coping mechanism that we are all in this together!

(From Tammy Wynard, assistant professor of health science)

Social

Plan a virtual theme dinner with food and clothing from a movie or vacation: Beach Getaway, Harry Potter, The Office.

Channel your creativity for adult coloring pages, DIY paint nights, making a T-shirt quilt or handmade cards

Try a new recipe and document your steps.

(From Stephania Rodriguez, assistant director of Multicultural Affairs)

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Week 3

Mind

Useful phone apps can help with distraction and procrastination. Try Stay Focused (Android users only), Self Control (Mac OS users only) and Offtime (Android and iOS).

Tutors are available online--find their schedules on CardinalNet. Make an appointment and enroll in the Blackboard course by following the directions on the page. Questions? Contact centerforstudentsuccess@noctrl.edu.

(From Jenny Salmon, director, student academic success program)

Social

How to practice social closeness

Check out social media accounts for student organizations, groups like Cardinal First and academic departments.

Use FaceTime and other technologies to contact family and friends. Share how you’re feeling.

Set up or join an online study group.

(From Tatiana Sifri, director of Dyson Wellness Center)

Spirit

Keep breathing. Almost every faith recognizes it as an essential focus in spiritual life and wellness. There are resources to guide beginners in this rich, simple practice.

Love kindness. Look for simple acts of kindness, moments of beauty, and richness of simple existence within yourself and those around you. Discover gratefulness for these little gifts to decrease anxiety and stress in daily life.

Do good. Look for ways to help others as another way to enrich your own life.

(From Rev. Eric Doolittle, College chaplain)

Reminders

If you are in CARD 101, CARD 102, or CARD 200, you can still complete credit for your BURST workshop requirement. Please visit our page on CardinalNet and follow the directions to gain credit.

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Week 2

Mind

Remember your past achievements and successes … and think about what you’re grateful for.

Keep a journal so you have a place to be honest about your feelings.

Watch funny movies, television shows or video clips for a quick laugh. Take breaks from news about the pandemic; hearing about it repeatedly can be upsetting.

(From Tatiana Sifri, director of Dyson Wellness Center)

Spirit

It’s okay to be disappointed about the lost semester and all of the big changes. It’s as simple as saying, “This is sad” or “This really is a bummer.” Be honest and call the situation what it is—it’ll help you feel better.

(From Brian Rainville, director of faith and action)

Adulting

Resources to keep you on track toward your realized direction

Keep your job and internship search going with help from the Office of Career Development. Now is a great time to update your Handshake profile, build your online network and improve your video interview skills with InterviewPrep. Set up a free, North Central-sponsored account with your North Central email at northcentralcollege.optimalresume.com/.

(From Haydee Nunez, director, Career Development Center)

Reminders

Don’t forget that priority registration for 2020-21 is open as of April 6! Look for an email sent by the Office of the Registrar for your day and time. Make sure that you’ve gotten approval from your academic advisor for your schedule. You can email your advisor directly from Merlin under “Email My Advisor.” For answers to other questions, visit our registration information page.

(From Julie Williams, assistant provost for student success and dean of academic services)

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Week 1

Mind

Practical advice for succeeding in your academics while living at home

Build a solid schedule your family can reference. Post it where your family can see. Be realistic, but flexible! Organize yourself for the week each Sunday by planning your time. Schedule one to two hours study time for every hour you would typically be in class. Schedule breaks with defined time limits and include exercise.

And ask for help when you need it. This isn’t an easy transition and it’s one that no one wanted or anticipated.

(From Julie Carballo, director of First-Generation Programs, Veteran & Military-Affiliated Student Services)

Body

Personal fitness tips for staying fit without the gym

Keep your schedule as consistent as possible. Eat at your regular times, keep a regular sleep schedule, and a regular school/work schedule. Avoid spending the whole day in your PJ’s.

Household items can be used in place of exercise equipment!

• Use a milk or water jug as a substitute for dumbbells! Filled up all the way, it weighs about 9 pounds; halfway it’s about 4-5 pounds. The handle makes it easy to hold onto; or you can hold it sideways with two hands.
• If you have access to any kind of stairs in your home, here’s a sample 10-minute workout: Start at the bottom; go up 4 steps, turn around, then back down; then up halfway and back down; then up all the way and back down. Repeat 5 times. Do this barefoot or with shoes, no slippery socks!

Follow Cardinal Fit on Instagram @ncc cardinalfit where you will have access to at-home exercises, workouts and more health and fitness tips!

(From Marilyn Skarbek, assistant professor of exercise science; exercise science clinical coordinator)

Spirit

Helpful suggestions for spiritual practices and staying connected

Set aside time each day for meditation, prayer, scripture and contemplative reading. Cultivate moments for stillness, gratitude, and wonder.

And stay connected. Find a spiritual mentor, preferably in real time, to discuss your struggles and successes. Many spiritual programs and staff are transitioning online, including Focus, Catholic Cardinals, Chaplain Eric Doolittle, and Brian Rainville, director of faith action.

(From Rev. Eric Doolittle, College chaplain)

Reminders

Don’t forget that priority registration for 2020-21 begins April 6! Look for an email sent by the Office of the Registrar for your day and time. Make sure that you’ve gotten approval from your academic advisor for your schedule. You can email your advisor directly from Merlin under “Email My Advisor.” For answers to other questions, visit our registration information page.

(From Julie Williams, assistant provost for student success and dean of academic services)