With all that’s happening around the world currently, it’s important for us to take good care of our physical and mental health. It is so important that we adhere to the “stay home” notice and the social distancing policy, though it can no doubt be tough. Throughout my first full week of self-isolation, I have discovered 5 ways to look after myself and keep myself entertained!
1. Learn something new
With the growing roles and development in the technology world, picking up a coding language is a great idea! Here are some online courses that I have found really useful:
By computer science students from the University of Manchester. Before the virus outbreak, these students organised weekly coding classes for beginners in the Kilburn Building. Follow @UniCsManchester at their facebook page for more updates.
Free online course by Harvard University. Highly recommended by professionals for beginners!
Monthly Coding Session by Manchester Code Up Academy
Not an online class but just wanted to add this in here so you guys could check it out once things turn back to normal!
It’s a social session in Manchester city centre where people with varying level of experience gather to teach or help one another with a project they are stuck with. It does not matter if you are an absolute beginner. My friend and I went there as total beginners and there were many others like us too so they opened up a small class to teach us basic html which was really insightful and easy to follow. The best part is it’s free!
2. Constantly checking up on myself
In making sure that my life stays interesting and on track, I have been constantly writing down a list of things that I am looking forward to achieving, things that I have achieved and things that are in progress.
Keeping a mindfulness journal filled with my daily thoughts is particularly calming too! After all, a positive mind set gives you a more healthy soul and keeps you healthier! To learn more about journaling, check out content ambassador Hannah’s video on how bullet journaling got me organised. And for some motivation to start journaling, check out content ambassador Kirstie’s article on why you should start journaling in 2020.
3. Take a break from social media
Not everything should be about “Insta Bingos” now. Instead, remember to take a break from your social media and do something meaningful! Bake a cake, make some cookies, draw and paint something, make music, do something that will make an impact on someone else’s life by supporting a charitable organisation, the list goes on and on and on… … Catch up on all the simple things that we used to do but have been forgotten as we grew older.
I have been catching up on all the books that have been left lying around my room for months and it’s been a wonderful outcome to a not so wonderful situation!
4. Try to be physically active
If you are at home alone, or with your siblings and parents, try having a family yoga session or meditate together! Working from home shouldn’t mean constant work. Try to leave the room you are working in once in a while and allow yourself time to breathe some air by keeping yourself active indoors or at the backyard if you have one! Check out UoM Sport’s #StayInWorkOut campaign for workouts and ideas. And once things get back to normal you might want to try some of the Sporticipate sessions that I’ve really enjoyed!
People there were really friendly. Just putting it out there. It’s nice to think about what you would like to do when this is over!
5. Remember not to totally neglect your studies
I totally understand why many of us find it hard to sit down and focus on catching up with our lectures when so much is going on around us. Just know that things will get better. We just have to keep ourselves healthy, and do our bit by staying at home and… when we are mentally ready, get back on track and visit https://video.manchester.ac.uk/lectures (you know where I’m going…)
Hopefully you have taken away a thing or two from this article. Stay healthy and positive people!