As part of our ongoing mission to make sure our students have the support they need throughout this difficult time, we are sharing blogs written by our Counselling and Wellbeing Team – to help you. Have a subject you are worried about? Let us know, we can make sure blogs are addressing the issues you are facing.
The Not So Normal
Let’s face it, this is a really strange time to be at university, it’s tough with rules and advice changing and it is difficult not knowing what will happen during the year ahead.
It’s disappointing not having the student life you’d hoped for, going out, parties, meeting new people (in person!) and going to lectures together. Some of you may be missing home or may be returning home due to the lockdown. Perhaps the restrictions are frustrating for you.
At times like these people react differently, some will be angry and frustrated whereas others may feel frightened and anxious. It’s likely that most of us will be trying to make the best of it, doing what we can. It’s hard to keep a positive mindset sometimes, as at this point, we’re all a bit tired and fed up.
The thing is that, biologically our physical system can react pretty well to a crisis in the short term. We get a ‘surge’ of brain chemicals that support our energy to meet the needs of the situation. But this comes with a cost of depletion after eight months and we hit a wall, that’s why it’s no wonder that things are difficult to cope with right now.
So, what can we do to support ourselves and each other? Let’s focus on what we can control – looking after our health and wellbeing. Understanding that the three main things that we need to put in place are, healthy and nutritious eating, daily exercise and a decent night’s sleep.
Energy also comes from doing things we enjoy. Think about a child playing, full of energy, having fun, without worries, they’re absorbed and mindful. Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for play says:
“The opposite of play is not work; the opposite of play is depression.”
We could all do with a lift in mood right now, so getting play into our lives is important.
So how do we do this? The definition of play is: “Time spent without purpose,” and feeling free to be ourselves. What’s fun for you? What are you doing when time passes so quickly and you’re totally in the moment? Do you enjoy listening to or playing music, dancing like no one’s watching, walking, sports, board games, watching movies, chatting with good friends, something crafty or creative – writing, drawing, making stuff? Growing plants on your windowsill? Cooking or baking? The options are endless and personal to you. Please remember to follow guidelines and rules, so whatever appeals adapt it and make it work for your health and that of others.
Research has shown that play promotes resilience, innovation and problem-solving. A child can sit with a pile of pebbles for hours and create a whole, fascinating world. But playing is not just for children. Would you stop your pet from playing just because it’s older? No, that would be miserable! Animals play throughout their lives, they follow their natural instincts to do so, and this helps them to survive. We need play right now, we need silliness, fun and connection.
What will you be doing in lockdown to keep yourself entertained?
Ideas for fun things to do
- Join an online choir
- Start a book club
- Make a list of films and programmes to watch
- Join Global Virtual Buddies and meet some new people virtually
- Take the time to make a special meal once per week
- Set yourself a goal
- Set up a joint workout class on Zoom with friends
- Keep connected – set up a support group with friends
- Set up an art club virtually with friends – paint, make and share online
- Have a movie night with Teleparty
- Create a podcast with friends
- Learn calligraphy and make some Christmas cards and labels
- Set yourself a photography challenge and start an Instagram to host the photos
- Get on Linkedin and learn something new.
Have ideas? Let us know!
Need support? – here’s some links
- Wellbeing Toolkit
- Covid support line
- TogetherAll
- Student Space
- Supporting our Students
- RUSU Welfare Directory
- NHS self-help guides
- Support Centres
- Student Services Reception
- Counselling and Wellbeing
- Welfare
- The Student Financial Support Team