Zeta Tackles Mental Health: Quarantine Edition

Written By: Courtney Spencer

April 2020

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Prior to the start of quarantine, I felt as though I was truly living my best life. I had just gotten my little, turned 21, and had been really enjoying the classes I was taking during the spring semester. It was when I was in Daytona Beach, Florida that I was alerted to the news that as students of Virginia Tech, we would be moving our classes online in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This not only seemed daunting but for me, personally, felt like a time of great uncertainty. Would I be able to continue to do well in classes? What sort of challenges or problems would there be when switching over? Are my professors still going to be easily accessible should I have any questions? With all of these thoughts and feelings rushing through my head, I instantly started to feel anxiety taking over my body. However, in that moment I realized that my apprehensiveness and fear of the unknown was not going to help me, rather remaining calm and finding ways to maintain my sanity was the best way to approach quarantine. 

With that in mind as I returned from Florida, I was determined to see the positives of the current global situation and use it to my advantage. With classes going online, I found myself able to do things that I previously hadn't had time for. For example, during the first few days of quarantine, I was finally able to go through all my clothes and determine what I wanted to keep and what I wanted to donate. For me, this is something that was very helpful in helping me declutter my room and my thoughts. It helped me to pass time, alleviate stress, and find happiness in giving donations to those less fortunate. Also, for the first time in months, I had time to workout. Between classes at school, extracurricular activities, and my job - I had little to no time to workout. During the past couple weeks, one of the things that has helped me to relieve stress is going to workout with my quarantine buddy and fellow Zeta sister, Jessica Fox. We have been focusing on our physical health to in turn help improve our mental health. Everyday we try and at least do a 2 mile walk, which is sometimes followed by running stairs in our favorite place, Lane Stadium, an ab workout, and hopefully a hike in the near future. Physical activity has truly helped me to take whatever I am feeling and use that as fuel for a workout. If I am angry or disappointed in the current situation I find myself in, I use that to motivate my workout. 

Additionally, I have found comfort in my friends. All of my peers are in the same situation I am in, and if I am struggling with something I reach out to them and ask them how they are handling being in quarantine, to which I have received such useful and applicable advice. My Zeta sisters are always a facetime call or text away and I have been taking advantage of every opportunity I can to talk with them. This is a great time to make time to check in with your loved ones. In addition to myself, here are a number of suggestions that my sisters have shared with me in ways that they have been maintaining a healthy mindset during these trying times. 

Our Panhellenic delegate and sophomore Ellie Mumaw told me: “'I've honestly been starting every day laying with my dogs for like 30 minutes. I miss them so much when I’m at school so being home with them makes me really happy during this time. I’ve also been running/walking and started a group with some people using the Nike Run App where we compete with each other to see who can get the highest mileage. I guess the last thing, which is really unproductive, is watching Dexter. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that I can’t spend every part of my day doing something productive and it’s okay to mentally unwind with a show.” 

Jessica Fox explained, “I've been going on walks with my quarantine buddies, Courtney and Linzy, which helps me to get out and take my mind off of school and the whole situation.” 

Brice Call said the following in reference to improving her mental health: “I’ve been working out and taking my dog on walks more  which helps me get outside and not be glued to my phone and computer all day.” 

Our risk chair Erin Plowman has been especially focusing on mental health and body positivity. She had her risk committee put together some body slides to share with the chapter. These are shown in the pictures you see. Here's what she said when I asked her for some advice: “ I would say one of the most important things right now is to stay connected with those who care about us and continue to build friendships in any way we can. I personally have been trying to increase my social connections virtually because being an extrovert can be tough in quarantine without the ability to outwardly express my emotions. I have found a lot of happiness in being able to accept the things I cannot change, being grateful for the things I do still have, and partaking in random acts of kindness whenever i get the chance :-)”

Ashton Marquat told me how she has been keeping busy: “I’ve been keeping myself busy during quarantine by running, continuing my work for bumble virtually, and starting my quarantine cooking page @quarantinesnaxx give it a follow! ” 

Though each of us has a different quarantine situation, it is important to remember above all we need to be taking care of ourselves not only physically, but mentally as well. As sisters, I know we all are here for eachother, and should one of us be struggling, they should not hesitate to reach out to anyone. As a sisterhood, in uncertain times such as these, we have found ways to connect to each other virtually to support each other. While COVID-19 has undoubtedly cut our semester short and put a damper on the Spring of 2020, it is how we deal with the situation that determines how we let it affect our lives. I wake up, uncertain what the status of the world will be that day, but nonetheless with a smile on my face. Grateful to be alive and living through history as it is being written. At the end of the day, though the tunnel might seem dark and full of twists and turns, there is a light. That light is beautifully bright and beaming for the day that we can all return to 3115 Oak Lane, happy, healthy, and eager to seize the day ahead of us. 

A note from the editor (Mackenzi Mills):

Due to our current lack of options, it is easy to spend your days swiping on Tik Tock or scrolling on Instagram. As someone who enjoys her routine and applies a lot of self pressure, I am fully aware that our regular schedules were completely uprooted. While we are all trying our best to be great citizens and “to think in terms of all mankind” like a good Zeta. I just want to add that it is OK to not be perfect. It is natural to feel unmotivated, to snack more, not feel like working out, or studying as much as you normally would. Everyone will choose to deal with their situation differently. That does not mean you have to be your perfect, healthy, productive self everyday. Unfollow social media accounts that make you think negatively for right now. Choose to do something that makes you smile. Call your friends, relieve stress by being creative, take time with your skincare, try something new, go on a sunset walk, or escape reality with a book. And please reach out if you need to talk. You are beautiful and you are enough.  ZTA loves you <3