We are ShenCo strong — resilient and connected despite the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and the challenges inherent in social distancing. To further support your individual and collective well-being, check out some of these resources:

Relational Well-being

It is easy to feel isolated during this time of “social distancing.” Stay connected to friends and family using technology. If you’re at home and spending more time than you’re used to with family, take time to connect in-person and also take space away as needed. Communicate kindly and clearly — we’re all in this together (cue “High School Musical”).

• Tips on Staying Connected and Present through Social Media
• 7 Simple Ways to Improve Relationships with Friends and Family (bonus: the home site for this blog post includes animal quote pictures!)
• How to Keep Relationships Healthy Within Your Family

Some effective communication techniques:

• Effective Communication
• Top 15 Effective Communication Strategies
• 9 Effective Communication Skills

Be sure to connect with the Shenandoah Conservatory community by joining these conversations and events:

• ShenCommUNITY (a weekly moment together while we’re apart)
• ShenCoTRUTH (reflections by Shenandoah Conservatory students)
• ShenCoPETS (meet faculty and staff pets)
• ShenCo Virtual Happy Hour (Shenandoah Conservatory faculty and staff)
• Shenandoah Conservatory Faculty & Staff Childhood Photos

Emotional Well-being

As individuals and as a community, we are experiencing increased stress and anxiety as we navigate the unknown. Take a moment to breathe deeply, meditate, practice gratitude, and/or create. Try new ways to take care of yourself and use this opportunity to explore what really works for you. Here are some resources that may help:

• Resilience during COVID-19 (free guided meditations and breathing techniques by Koru)
• Harvard Relaxation Room (free guided relaxation and other meditation resources)
• The Science Behind Gratitude
• Gratitude Practice Explained (yes, they talk about gratitude around the holidays, but we can apply it year round!)
• 40 Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude
• Use Stress to Fuel Creativity

Download an app such as Headspace to guide and support mindful moments.

Follow people who inspire and encourage you. One example (of many) is Dana Fonteneau (guest speaker from this year’s Conservatory Convocation) at The Wholehearted Musician.

If you are a student who is feeling isolated, anxious, and/or would like some additional support, please reach out to the Counseling Center at counseling@su.edu or (540) 665-4752. Counselors are providing Zoom sessions.

As always, if you are experiencing mental illness or a mental health crisis, please reach out to your medical provider or the following support lines:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255)
• Emergency Services (Call 911)
  
  Also see Get Immediate (mental health) Help (SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-726-4727) for help with finding a mental health professional in your area.

Physical Well-being

During times of stress, it is easy to pay less attention to our physical well-being. As you navigate the challenges of learning/teaching/working from home, remember to establish a daily routine that includes sleep, exercise, healthy nutrition, and drinking water. Here are some resources that may help:

• Sleep
• Work Out at Home
• Yoga at Home
• Socially Distant but Physically Fit
• Nourish Your Body

During this time you may find that you are able to spend more time practicing or that you are using your art for coping — increasing your time dancing, playing an instrument, and/or using your voice. Remember to take frequent breaks and use good technique to prevent injury and burnout. Feel free to reach out to your teachers and colleagues for additional support/instruction on how to sustain increased practice time.

Thank you for being well together while we are apart! Every one of you is integrally important to our continued work and growth as the Shenandoah Conservatory community and we wish you best of health as we create and innovate as never before during these unusual times.

This collection of information is brought to you by the Being Well Together Taskforce. We do not endorse specific resources and the advertisements within them — we bring them to you to offer options for information that may be of interest and benefit to you as Shenandoah Conservatory students, faculty, and staff. If you would like to recommend additional resources, please email them to blandles@su.edu for consideration.