The following message was sent to Drexel students on Dec. 8:

Dear Drexel Dragon,

As we are entering the holiday season, we are all feeling the effects of the global pandemic — even when it doesn't seem like it. We know that life is a little different right now and you may not have been able to do everything you wanted to in 2020, but the New Year is coming. As we look forward to the year ahead, we are very excited to begin to have Dragons back on campus again and kick off 2021 at Drexel on Jan. 4. There's a lot to plan for between now and then, but we want to make sure you are continuing to find the time to take care of yourself both physically and mentally.

Below are a few tips you can follow to boost your overall wellness:

• Be Kind To Yourself – Recognize your own personal mental and emotional limits. And don't forget that perfection is a myth.
• Be Present – Be aware of and acknowledge your thoughts and feelings with non-judgmental curiosity and give yourself permission to feel the way you do.
• Practice Gratitude – By focusing on what you are thankful for, you can work to become more resilient, lessen anxiety and depression, and strengthen your relationships.
• Make Connections – Connecting with your friends and family members, even if it's virtually, can provide a big boost to your mental health. Remember: You are not alone.
• Relax – Focus on restoring yourself. Take some time from your schedule to practice mindfulness and consider meditation or deep breathing to help you stay centered.
• Refresh – Physical activity, such as going out for walks or doing something like yoga, can be a great way to improve your wellbeing.
• Recharge – Try tapping into your creativity where you can channel your thoughts and feelings into writing, painting, or drawing.
• Replenish – Get enough rest, eat well, and drink plenty of water. If you're feeling a little off, it could be that you are lacking important nutrients or experiencing dehydration.

Remember to also listen to your body. If you feel ill or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should contact the Student Health Center right away by phone (215.220.4700) and through the Drexel Health Tracker app.

As we get ready for the winter term, if you are in need of academic support — whether it's trouble navigating studying or learning habits and behaviors — the staff members in the Center for Learning and Academic Success Services (CLASS) are ready to help. Please don't hesitate to reach out to CLASS' team of academic coaches by emailing academicsuccess@drexel.edu. If you require support for a specific subject matter, then we encourage you to reach out to the associated faculty member or visit the Learning Alliance website to find available discipline-specific resources.

Finally, if you would like to receive free, confidential counseling, the Counseling Center offers an array of services for students. If you are experiencing a psychological emergency, call the Counseling Center's support line at 215.416.3337 and speak with one of their on-call professional counselors. You can also text "Hello" to 741741 for assistance via the Crisis Text Line. Online peer support is also available through 7 Cups and the Peer Counseling Helpline available Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET. Make an appointment or call 215.895.1415 whenever you need help.

At Drexel University, the health and safety of our students is our number one priority. I hope you will utilize these resources and find what works for you. As always, you can learn more about the steps the University is taking to ensure our community's safety at Drexel's Response to Coronavirus page. This site is constantly updated with the latest health and safety protocols, and we encourage you to visit it often to make sure you remain up to date.

Remember, to continue to take care of each other and always wear your mask. Because at Drexel, Dragons wear masks.

Sincerely,

Subir Sahu, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Success