How to get through lockdown 3.0 as a student now we're so close to the end
- carablackhall7
- Mar 2, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 29, 2021
Even though we have been through a lockdown before, the one we are in now feels like the hardest one yet. Everyone reacts differently to certain situations and just because it may seem like someone is dealing with this lockdown better than you may be, it doesn’t mean that it is the case. We are all in this together and we are getting closer to the end of the tunnel, but until we get there, here are some tips to get you through this third lockdown.
1. Practise self-care:
Make time for yourself. Allowing yourself to have some down time to do the things that you truly enjoy is so important in order to look after your mental health. Have a bath, take a walk, binge watch a new Netflix series or start a new book. There are so many things you can do to keep yourself occupied whilst relaxing too. You need to dedicate time for yourself because your hapiness comes before the happiness of anyone else. Don’t let the worries and stress of Covid-19 stop you from doing you. Take time away from your workload and any other stresses you may be having. It's not too late to include this within your routine.
2. Find ways to manage disappointment:
Not everything will go as planned, things can go wrong, that’s just life and it's okay! When you get disappointed, it can really get you into a funk and it can be hard to deal with but there are ways to manage this.
Accept that it’s how you’re feeling and don’t try to push it away, it will only hurt you more in the long run. You can also learn from disappointment by knowing that the moment you are in will not last forever, even though it might feel that way.
"WE MUST ACCEPT FINITE DISAPPOINTMENT, BUT NEVER LOSE INFINITE HOPE." - MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR
3. Don’t focus on things that are out of your control:
Things are going to happen in life, and you aren’t going to be able to control it. However, you can control your attitude and how you react to certain situations, so focus on that instead of worrying about the unknown. You can control certain aspects of your own life, so in order to combat worrying about what you can’t control, differentiate what you can and cannot, if you do that, you will then start to worry less about things that don’t actually matter.
4. Be cautious about how much news you consume:
You may think it’s important to pay attention to the news and updates on a daily basis, but it can sometimes become too much. Surrounding yourself with negative news stories can have a negative impact on how you’re feeling so it may be a good idea to take a break from it, once a while.
5. Get yourself into a routine:
Your routine before the pandemic was undoubtedly very different to what it may be now. Attending lectures, going to work or simply meeting a friend for a coffee has been taken away from us and since we have been going through this virus for over a year now, it may seem pointless to get to grips with a new routine this late in the game but it’s never too late.
Having a routine is so important for your mental health and having a structure for your day will help you get the tasks done that may be hanging over your shoulders. Sometimes, it can be easy to let your routine control you, but it should be you controlling your routine.
There are plenty apps and websites out there that you can use to help you manage your routine, one of these includes Toggl. Toggl allows you to track how much time you are spending on specific tasks and allows you to add new entries and take notes for reminders. It is available on Android and IOS or there is a free version you can use to get a rough idea as to how the app works.
6. Invest in a gratitude diary or start bullet journaling:
No matter how much of a positive person you think you are, it can still be easy to be sucked into any negative thoughts that other people have but investing in a gratitude diary can help combat this. It will allow you to focus on everything that you are thankful for by writing it down. Living at home with your family, sunny weather or completing all your chores are just a few things to be thankful for, write them down and appreciate your surroundings.
Bullet journaling is also a good way to calm any nerves or relieve any stress you could be having. It allows you to write everything down, from your budget plans, to-do lists and diary entries. Since we’re in a lockdown, you may feel like you haven’t got enough tasks throughout your day to be able to write it down, but bullet journaling can also be a hobby that you can take up to get time away from your screen.
7. Pay attention to the food that you consume:
We all love to indulge from time to time, but during Covid-19 the temptation can be even higher. Paying attention to the food we eat and including healthier foods within our diet is important for boosting our energy levels up as well as fighting off any illnesses too. Swap that packet of crisps or chocolate bar for a healthier option and you’ll feel much better.
8. Stay in touch with your friends:
Due to restrictions, it’s hard to see our friends as much as we would like and even when we do, there are social distancing measures in place that make it even harder but thanks to technology advances, we can still stay connected with our loved ones and it’s never been more important.
Arrange a zoom quiz, a dress up night or simply just arrange a call for a catch up. Confide in the people around you and allow them to support you during this difficult time.
9. Include exercise in your daily routine:
With everything going on in the world right now, of course it could be hard to remember to look after our bodies, but exercising is arguably one of the most important aspects to include within your routine to improve your mental health. Exercising will improve your self-esteem and result in you reaching any goals you may have for your day.
If you’re a student, exercising can also relieve any boredom you may be feeling. Following an exercise routine with your housemates can be a fun activity to do together and might even turn into a healthy habit for your routine.
10. Be gentle to yourself:
There is no right or wrong way to feel about Covid-19 and any feelings you may be having are completely valid. If you are finding it hard, that’s okay and so many people will be feeling the same way. Be gentle to yourself, remember you’re trying your best during a pandemic.
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