Ever since Governor Newsom announced the Safer at Home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, California residents have been staying in and practicing physical distancing – only stepping out of their homes for necessities. While this is no doubt an essential precaution to ensure public health and flatten the curve, months indoors can start to feel stifling. Recently, we came up with a list of tips on how to practice mindfulness. That got us thinking – how are our international students practicing mental and physical mindfulness during this time? Here’s what four of them had to say:

Deeksha Lal

Graduate student from Dubai, UAE

There’s no such thing as too much Harry Potter…

Kathrin Altmann

Graduate student from Recklinghausen, Germany

Multiple naps throughout the day is my secret to staying fresh…

Niranjana Kumar

Graduate student from Dubai, UAE

I’m creating my own golden hour glow with my face masks…

Ayushmita Rao

Graduate student from Mumbai, India

I’m exploring the wonderful world that is Haruki Murakami’s works…

Written by: Deeksha Lal, OIS Communications Editor, Master of Communication Management, USC Annenberg 2020