Tag Archives: housing

Managing Anxiety in Times of Change: An Interview With Sinclair Ceasar

Sinclair Ceasar is a mental health speaker and educator whose mission is “to end mental stigma by helping people share their stories, explore their brokenness, and seek healing resources.” On Wednesday February 17, 2021, Sinclair spoke with the University Housing & Conference Services staff during a virtual staff development meeting about how to manage anxiety in times of change. During his presentation, he shared coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety and advice on how to stay grounded.

About Sinclair: He has led content-rich workshops and programs at institutions and non-profit organizations around the country. He has years of professional experience as a higher education administrator, including within residential life, academic advising, and first year experience programming. He has been featured in the London Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, and Buzzfeed, and has partnered with global wellness brands like The Mighty and Shine Text.

The interview:

Q: Can you talk about “box breathing” and why it’s important?

Sinclair (S): Box breathing is a centering activity that can be used to manage stress and anxiety. Essentially, you inhale for three seconds, hold for four seconds, and exhale for five seconds – or do any variation of these numbers (1-2-3; 5-6-7; etc.). I’ve found it to be beneficial because focusing on my breath so intently takes my mind off my worries and pulls me from the panic spiral I might currently be experiencing. It’s a useful technique especially during times where the ground seems to constantly be shifting beneath us. Another helpful practice is to notice five objects in your current space whenever you’re feeling anxious. Similarly, this can help bring you to present time and feel much more relaxed.

Q: What is a “when/then habit” and how can people maintain one?

S: So this is adapted from the teachings of James Clear, who recently wrote the bestselling book, Atomic Habits. Essentially, you identify the habit you’d like to build, and you integrate it with unconscious habits you do each day. Say you pick up your phone when you wake up in the morning (unconscious habit), and you want to increase your water intake each day (habit goal). Then you’d practice drinking 10 oz. (measurable goal) of water when (time) you awake (action) in morning, then (reaction) you’re able to go on your phone (reward). To keep track of this, I recommend printing out a calendar, and crossing off each day you accomplish this goal. Try not to miss two days in a row.

Q: Why should people celebrate their small wins?

S: Because, we’re naturally inclined to focus on scarcity, deficits, failure, and danger. Taking a few minutes each week to identify how we’ve won (e.g. I woke up today; I tried my best on this test; I supported a friend even though I was exhausted) can boost our energy, pull us out of a rut, and remind us of hope.

Q: Do you have advice for people who are struggling to stay positive during difficult times?

S: Listen, it’s okay to not be okay. Sometimes, just getting to the next right thing, the next breath, is the best you can do. And, you know what, that’s more than enough. You will get through this.

Learn more about Sinclair and his message:

___________________________________________________________________________

Lydia Shaloka is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include digital marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing.  When she graduates in May 2021, Lydia hopes to work for a digital marketing agency either in or near her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

Subscribe to our blog to receive email notifications whenever we make a new post!

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @villehousing. Twitter QR Code:

Instagram: @villehousing. Instagram Nametag:

Housing Zoom Open Forums – November 2020 Schedule

 

Housing and Residential Programs staff understands that students and parents have questions regarding housing. We highly encourage students and parents to join us for our open forums we will be holding via Zoom. Before attending a forum, please check that your question has not already been answered in our Spring 2021 FAQ post or in the 2020-21 Closing Bulletin.

Zoom Open Forum Schedule:

  • Tuesday November 10, 2020 from 11:00am-12:00pm
  • Tuesday November 17, 2020 from 11:00am-12:00pm
  • Thursday November 19, 2020 from 11:00am-12:00pm

Please visit the following link at the scheduled time and date of the open forum you’d like to attend: https://millersville.zoom.us/j/97266445779. Or, type the following Meeting ID into Zoom to join: 972 6644 5779

We look forward to hearing your questions and helping provide you with more information about housing!

___________________________________________________________________________

Subscribe to our blog to receive email notifications whenever we make a new post!

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @villehousing. Twitter QR Code:

Instagram: @villehousing. Instagram Nametag:

Housing Zoom Open Forums

HARP Open Forums Flyer Updated

Housing and Residential Programs staff understands that students and parents have questions regarding Fall 2020 housing. We highly encourage students and parents to join us for our open forums we will be holding via Zoom to address their concerns. Before attending a forum, please check that your question has not already been answered in our FAQ post.

Zoom Open Forums Schedule and Links:

Open Forum #1:

Open Forum #2:

Open Forum #3:

Open Forum #4:

Open Forum #5:

Open Forum #6:

Open Forum #7:

Open Forum #8:

Residence Hall Essentials From Amazon That You’ll Want to Buy

Moving away from home and moving into the residence halls is super exciting, but can seem daunting if you don’t know what to pack. If you’re unsure about what you need to bring with you to college, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here is a short list of some residence hall essentials you can buy from Amazon to help you prepare for living on campus once the fall semester begins:

(Here’s a helpful tip: College students can take advantage of Amazon Prime Student, which is a discounted Amazon Prime membership program. Click here to learn more about it!)

1. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner

Mrs. Meyers multi surface everyday cleaner is a great investment because it limits the amount of cleaning supplies you have to buy and store since its multipurpose, and it’s inexpensive. This multi surface cleaning spray is also available in different fresh scents. Click here to purchase a 3-pack from Amazon.

2. First Aid Kit

Something a lot of students wouldn’t think to bring with them to college is a first aid kit, but they’re actually really convenient to have. Amazon has a great first aid kit available that includes 100 pieces but is still compact, and it’s only $8.00! Click here to see details and buy it.

3. Laundry Hamper

Laundry hampers like this one are an essential because you can use them to carry your clothes to and from the laundry room easily. This laundry hamper from Amazon comes with carrying straps and a side pocket for detergent and dryer sheets, as well as comes in different colors. Click here to check it out.

4. Foldable Storage Bag Organizers

Continue reading Residence Hall Essentials From Amazon That You’ll Want to Buy