Lockdown Wellbeing

2020: not exactly the year we had planned, and it seems that 2021 has so far followed suit and decided to give us all another greatly unwanted shock. Emotions are high and times are exceptionally difficult, but once again we must band together and keep talking with hopefully the support you need just a phone call away.

Naturally however, this luxury is not accessible to all, and therefore now it is so incredibly important to keep yourself busy during these cold, darkened months. And of course, I hope to help with a few tips and ideas of how to keep yourself occupied and healthy during lockdown- and not always by staring at a screen!

While options may be slim, taking a walk can help to clear your head, offer up some much-needed fresh air and allow you the opportunity to stretch your legs. Social distancing is necessary too if you plan on having an accompanying friend - which is all right, so long as the correct government guidelines are followed - because of course your safety and the safety of those around you is the top priority.

As I'm sure you have heard a thousand times before - exercise is scientifically proven to release dopamine and endorphins, which are both chemicals to increase happiness, while your brain simultaneously removes chemicals that could contribute to anxiety and stress. Of course, everyone is different, but keeping healthy is essential right now, both physically and mentally. With regards to this, there are a plethora of helplines available to talk to, which are listed on our Instagram for anyone who needs someone to talk to, whether that be anonymously or not, as there is always someone you can go to in times of need.

Despite desperations to get out and enjoy the world, we must face the great indoors with apprehension but also a goal: time to finish that book you started; cook that recipe you've seen that you've always wanted to try; watch that tv show; host a zoom quiz for your friends; start a journal! The options are *almost* endless, and of course it's different, strange, unwelcome even, but the world has altered and for this period of time - one which shall most definitely go down in history - it is essential to stay safe and try and make the best of a dire situation. It's time to do what relaxes you, whether that is reading, watching, talking, singing, dancing, baking or anything else, now is the time to do whatever it takes to put a smile on your face! And naturally I am once again back to Students Speak, as we have plenty of reviews and recipes all coming soon to make sure you are as fulfilled and occupied as you like.

On the topic of literature and film however, perhaps it is time to turn off the relaxation brain occasionally and think about your studies. The times are strange and online schooling is difficult at the best of times for everyone, but we must remember that this isn't forever, and that soon in the future you'll be back to physical learning - whether that's the same building as before, of perhaps you're moving up to a higher education. Either way, keeping your mind educated and stimulated will help you both long term and short term, as knowledge will always be necessary and right now it may be the motivation you need. This can come in all forms:

Perhaps you're learning a language, then watching media or reading anything you can get your hands helps most definitely, as well as key websites (Quizlet and Memrise have always been super helpful for me!) to help keep your language brain functioning in these times of not a lot of communication.

Maybe you prefer science and maths though, then looking for past papers and exam questions at your target level can help keep you aware and progressing through your learning. Teachers can help too, as I'm sure getting in touch with them would show that they would most likely fully support your learning and do everything they could to assist - times are tough for everyone, so we need to stick together.

Whatever your interests may be, finding something to anchor you in these unprecedented times is critical, and here at Students Speak we are working as hard as we can to keep you updated and smiling all through these times and beyond. So please, reach out to people if you can, whether that is a friend, family member, a teacher or even us here through either our email or social platforms - do not suffer in silence, because as Troy Bolton would say: we're all in this together.