Lockdown 2.0 Survival Tips – University Insiders

Sophie gives some survival tips on the second national lockdown in England and the things she learnt from the first and how to best look after yourselves!

When I heard the announcement of the nation going into a second lockdown, it made me think, how did the first lockdown go?

The first lockdown was tough on us all, and I was no exception to this. So, how am I going to ensure that this lockdown is not a repeat of what was experienced earlier in the year?

I have made a list of the things I am going to focus upon, to ensure that I am making myself the priority.

Mind-set – The first lockdown did give me the greatest gift, the ability to understand how important it is that you keep a positive mind-set. To achieve this, I read self-help book, listen to podcasts and frequently apply face masks. I truly believe that your thoughts set the tone what you do and what happens to you. If you have negative thoughts, then you will only see, behave and receive negatively.

Diet – Looking back on the first lockdown, having Ben and Jerry’s ice cream for dinner every night was not the best idea. It made me lethargic, moody and miserable. What you decide to fuel your body with has a massive impact on the way you both look and feel, which in turn can impact your mind-set, decision making and behaviour.

Physical exercise – I have always been an active person, but after spending 5 solid days on the sofa and binge-watching Netflix, I decided enough was enough. Exercise creates a happy hormone called endorphins, and they are brilliant (and slightly addictive). Remember that motivation comes after action, so if you are waiting for the perfect time or the right feeling, you might be waiting a while. You do not need to be aiming to run 5km every day. By engaging in frequent walks alone can have a massive benefit to your physical and mental health.

Having a purpose – Some people find their purpose from work or study. Some find it from family and friends. However, if you cannot see or do any of those, then it can be a struggle to find a purpose for any length of time. Volunteering at a local rescue farm helped me so much when tackling this issue. It reinstated my daily routine so that I was going to sleep and waking up at a more acceptable time. I had to consider what food I was buying because I would need to make myself food for the days I was at the farm. It also gave me something to look forward to and work towards. A purpose provides direction.

Working – During the first national lockdown, there was a debate on who was having it easier. Those who could continue to work (from home), or those who got furloughed. I would say neither. We are living through a global pandemic, no one is “getting it easy” or “winning” right now. We must deal with what we are given in the best way that we can, and if resenting people for the situation they are in is what you do, then go back and read the impact of negative thoughts in the first point. We are not in the same boat, but we are in the same storm.

I would like to mention that the NHS workers of the country have been the backbone of the nation. I have so much pride and gratitude for them for having to go out every day with no option of being furloughed or working from home. I am especially proud to call several of my close friends and mum, NHS workers.

Growing – Strive to grow every single day. Whether this is through fitness, knowledge or making your bed, it is completely down to you. Seek out that which sets you out of your comfort zone, because it is how you are going to progress. When you are running and the pain is setting in, just know that is what it feels like when weakness is leaving. One of my fears mid-way through the year was that I am wasting my life (it is a big one, I know). Accepting what you can and cannot control is vital right now. By focusing on what I can do to ensure I value my time keeps me grounded when it all gets a little too much. I like to reflect so I know how much progress I have made, but only by a few days, anything further than that is history which cannot be changed.

This national lockdown is happening as a result of a global pandemic (I still can’t believe it is happening at times) and is not a new year’s resolution. You do NOT need to set yourself health or fitness goals during this time. This is not to say that you should not engage in new habits, because anything which helps with your health is great! Just ensure you are altering the expectation you have of yourself. Do not feel the pressure to achieve PB’s and speaking fluent French – just prioritise yourself.

Stay safe, Soph x