LIFESTYLE - Lockdown Blues: Don’t Let the Pandemic Steal Your Youth
It’s not controversial to say that the pandemic has made everyone rethink how they live. Many students have had to adapt to learning at home the past year. Some have had to make the difficult decision to stay at home rather than moving to a new city. Moving into 2021, this New Year may feel like another year of missed opportunities, career prospects, and the need for human interaction beyond just a screen. It can seem like your early adult years are being swiped from you, or your career path is closing over. You are not alone.
Invest Your Time
The pandemic has definitely knocked everyone for six, and it’s okay to feel disappointed. I am not suggesting that you power through every day with a determination to fulfil every goal. However, consider taking on some new ventures like homework clubs with the Volunteer SU, signing up for a virtual opportunity with GoGlobal, or simply reaching out in discussions with other students in SU run coffee sessions. Pursuing opportunities which you may not have previously had time for could prove invaluable in boosting your confidence, growing your network, and helping you achieve your aims for a brighter future. There is no better time to jump at these chances.
Explore New Options
I was unable to apply for Erasmus this year. As someone who applied for university with hopes of studying abroad, the pandemic has cut deep. In an attempt to tame my lockdown blues I contacted the Global Opportunities team at Queens. In a short call, they listed off a multitude of events taking place for Virtual Internships, plans for travelling in 2022, and other options to gain global experience from the safety of your home. It’s not quite the same as studying in the Barcelona sun or securing that top London finance internship, but investing in the time you have in lockdown may just prove worthwhile in the long run.
Take a Break from Technology
Take time away from technology. With online classes, essays to type, online papers to read, your room can feel claustrophobic all too quickly. A lack of in-person teaching can create a sense of isolation for students and focusing on deadlines can prove difficult. It’s not just our mental health this affects, but long periods of screen time can cause physical health issues too. The Health and Safety Executive suggests that taking a 5–10-minute break every hour can relieve eye strain, prevent headaches, and correct bad posture. Why not set time aside for a cup of tea every hour?
It seems small, but small changes can make a huge difference in your health. Taking time away from your phone and laptop is essential.
Be Wary of Social Media
It may feel like everyone on social media has had an incredibly productive lockdown. From weight loss plans to new hobbies, seeing other people’s achievements is definitely overwhelming. Getting to where you want to be is always going to be a process, you don't need to put pressure on yourself to get everything done during the lockdown. We all know that Social Media can warp reality, so don’t base your self-worth on what you see on a screen. Don't get hung up about missed opportunities and things out of your control. It's okay to just be. While you may think your youth is running away from you, or you’re missing out on activities that everyone else seems to have a grasp of, you are doing brilliantly by just being.
It’s a new and scary time we are living in, and there is no doubt that these last few semesters have been demanding. Remember that studying during a pandemic is a whole new experience. If you find yourself in a lockdown slump invest your time in worthwhile activities, try looking into new opportunities to learn skills, take time away from technology, and be wary of social media. Don’t worry about missing things, don’t stress about the weight of studying, celebrate the small things.
Rebecca Bell is a BA Politics and Philosophy Student at Queen’s University Belfast.