by Honey Wilkinson
The UK has been hit with another national lockdown and students up and down the country are facing another term of online teaching from the isolation of their homes. Whilst the lockdown is necessary, your mental health is equally as important, and so The Quack has compiled a few ways to make sure you look after yourselves during these difficult upcoming weeks. Putting aside time for yourself, away from the endless reading and researching/Microsoft team meetings, is a must.
Stay positive, keep smashing your work and hopefully we’ll soon find ourselves in a much more positive situation!
Plan out your week ahead.
Definitely the most helpful tip for staying on top of your workload is planning out your week ahead of time. This includes classes, assignments that are due, books that need to be read and research that needs to be conducted. Mapping it out day by day serves as a reminder for what needs to completed (so there is no falling behind), and it also acts as a motivator. It’s helpful to have your to-do list itemised out in front of you, as you can check tasks off and see how productive you have been throughout the day.
Reduce screen time.
Reducing screen time allows you to shut off from the outside world and all of its troubles for just a little bit of time each day. Social media and the news are known causes of anxiety and so having an hour in which you put your phone away and focus on yourself is highly beneficial for your mental health. Bake, read, have a bath, practise a new hobby, do anything that allows you to relieve some stress. Online learning also means increased screen time and so it gives our eyes a much needed break.
Get some fresh air.
Boris is still allowing us to go for daily walks, so take advantage of this freedom! Put your earphones in (grab the dog if you have one) and set off. Maybe try to discover a new part of your hometown that you haven’t ever been to before, or take pictures along the way, anything as long as it gets you moving outside!
Reward yourself.
Whilst this is quite obvious, it is often overlooked when you’re feeling rushed or stressed. You’ve managed to read the book you’ve been avoiding for ages? Treat yourself to some chocolate. You’ve written two pages of your assignment? Watch an episode of your favourite programme. Basically, remember to congratulate yourself for the progress you have made. Rewards help with motivation and they stop you from becoming burnt out – it’s also a perfect excuse to do a bit of online shopping 😉
Remember that you are not alone.
Lockdowns in general can be lonely and overwhelming. Throw assignments and classes into the mix and you are suddenly under even more stress. During times like these, it’s important to reach out to your friends and family and get the support that you need. If you happen to live alone, arrange face to face calls with your loved ones, you could even suggest virtual quiz and games nights as something to look forward to. The Quack’s DM’s are always open to those who need a chat (you can find us at @thequackmagazine on Instagram) and below are a list of organisations that are there to help ❤
- Helpline UK (for under 35s) – 08000684141
- Anxiety UK – 08444775774
- Samaritans (available 24/7) – 116123
- Mind (9am-6pm) – 03001233393
- Men’s Advice Line (Male victims of domestic violence) – 08088010327
- National Centre for Domestic Violence – 08009702070
- Cruse Bereavement UK – 08008081677
Look after yourselves and we hope to see you all returned to campus safe and happy soon!
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