Finding the Silver Lining in Social Distancing ☁

As of March 16, students at the University of Warwick have been told that Term 3 classes and examinations will be delivered to students online / via alternative arrangements. For some, this comes as a welcome extension to our 5-week Spring Break, but for most this comes as a very abrupt and saddening end to the academic year.

As we spend more and more time locked away indoors, we see more negativity filling the news channels. However, it is in times like this that our mindset and perspective is crucial – we have to find small joys in our everyday lives so that we can remain happy!

Before we get into staying happy and positive, I want to stress that it is super important to stay up-to-date with the restrictions being put in place in an attempt to combat the spread of COVID-19. Also, in addition to the updates you receive, keep practicing safe hygiene; wash your hands regularly, cough / sneeze into tissue paper etc.

FINDING THE SILVER LINING IN SOCIAL DISTANCING

(1) You can sleep in!

Working from home may not seem like much fun, but since you don’t have to spend a huge amount of time getting ready or commuting to uni / school / work, you can sleep in a little longer!

(2) You’ll have extra time to do things you want!

When you find yourself at home almost 24/7, you’ll find that you’ll have a lot of extra time because you’ll be less distracted by friends / colleagues, you’ll not be doing any of those ‘unnecessary’ things like travelling between different locations, running errands etc.

When did you last say “I would do ‘x’ if only I had the time” – it was probably recently! Read a book, start that new Netflix series, learn how to draw / paint / play that guitar that you have lying around! Catch up on sleep!

(3) You can spend time with the people you love <3 

If you’re lucky enough to be social distancing with your family, then you have been given a gift. Yes, okay, you might find yourself arguing with them a bit, but at the end of the day, you have been blessed to spend time with the people who love and support you the most. If you’re away from family and friends, hopefully you can still find time to communicate with them! Whilst staying at home, you can facetime your loved ones, call them, text them!

Please note – if you are having to social distance in a place that is not great for your emotional / physical wellbeing, I am truly sorry. Support can be found via the Warwick Wellbeing Team, or via any of these organisations.

Stay safe, stay hygienic, stay at home!